Meru, Kenya| Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has suffered a legal setback after the High Court in Meru dismissed his application seeking to block his arrest for failing to honor Senate committee summons.
The ruling, delivered on March 6, 2025, by High Court Judge H.M. Nyaga, quashed Guyo’s petition, terming it premature and lacking sufficient evidence.
Court Upholds Senate’s Authority
Governor Guyo had moved to court seeking conservatory orders to prevent his arrest, arguing that the summons were politically motivated and orchestrated by Senator Fatuma Dullo.
However, Justice Nyaga ruled that the Senate has the constitutional mandate to summon governors and take necessary action in cases of non-compliance.
“The petitioner is the author of his own misery. There was no explanation given as to why he was absent,” the judge stated in his ruling.
The court further noted that Governor Guyo had been formally notified of the summons in writing and was fully aware of what was required of him.
Justice Nyaga emphasized that the invitations and summons were issued by a duly constituted Senate committee, not by Senator Dullo individually, dismissing the governor’s claims of political persecution.
Failure to Appear Before Senate Committee
Governor Guyo had been summoned by the Senate Health Committee to respond to issues related to the management of the county’s health sector.
However, he failed to appear before the committee on two separate occasions, May 28 and June 10, 2024.
His absence prompted the Senate to consider taking action against him for contempt of Parliament.
With the court ruling against him, the governor now faces potential legal consequences, including possible arrest for disregarding the Senate’s summons.
The decision reinforces the Senate’s oversight powers over county governments and sets a precedent for governors who fail to comply with parliamentary inquiries.
Governor Guyo is yet to respond publicly to the court’s decision, and it remains unclear whether he will appeal the ruling or comply with the Senate’s directive.
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