Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan(Guyo) has come under sharp criticism for allegedly attempting to take credit for the successful registration of the Chari and Cherab Dethaa community lands—an initiative led by a local pastoralist women’s organization.
The controversy has reignited public scrutiny over his administration’s performance, with many accusing the governor of failing to deliver tangible development while exploiting the work of grassroots organizations to bolster his image.
At the center of this growing opposition is Hache Abdi, a former key member of Guyo’s communications team, who has become one of his most vocal critics.
Once regarded as the architect of Guyo’s vibrant social media and public relations strategy during the 2022 gubernatorial campaign, Hache was unceremoniously ejected from the administration after a fallout with the governor.
Since then, he has emerged as a relentless whistleblower, holding his former boss accountable for alleged governance failures.
A Governor Under Fire
Governor Guyo’s recent claim of credit for the community land registration project has sparked outrage, particularly among activists and local leaders.
According to critics, the initiative was a hard-fought victory for a pastoralist women’s NGO, which had worked tirelessly to secure community land rights.
Despite playing no apparent role in the effort, the governor reportedly used his official social media platforms to insinuate that the achievement was a product of his administration.
“This is a classic case of a leader trying to ride on the hard work of others,” one resident lamented.
“Governor Guyo has a habit of launching NGO-funded projects and presenting them as his own. Now, he’s trying to paint himself as a productive leader when, in reality, he’s been absent and ineffective.”
Hache Abdi, who has been at the forefront of exposing what he calls “false narratives” from the governor’s office, did not mince words in his criticism.
He accused Guyo of attempting to “hijack” the success of a community-driven movement while failing to address the pressing challenges that plague Isiolo County.
A Troubled Tenure and Unmet Promises
Governor Guyo has faced sustained criticism for what many describe as one of the least effective county administrations in Kenya.
His tenure has been marred by allegations of mismanagement, lack of development, and questionable expenditures.
Reports indicate that despite a growing list of unmet promises—including addressing water shortages, improving healthcare, and boosting infrastructure—Guyo has focused more on self-promotion than service delivery.
Public frustration escalated further when news broke that the governor had traveled to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah while his constituents struggled with basic needs. The trip, viewed by many as tone-deaf, sparked widespread anger.
“He thinks he can deceive the Almighty after squandering public resources all year,” a disillusioned voter remarked.
“While he’s off performing religious duties, the people who elected him are suffering without access to essential services.”
Hache Abdi: From Ally to Adversary
The fallout between Hache Abdi and Governor Guyo has been one of the most dramatic political shifts in Isiolo’s recent history.
Having been instrumental in shaping Guyo’s public image during the 2022 campaign, Hache’s departure from the administration left a significant gap in the governor’s media strategy.
Now, as a fierce critic, he has used his influence to amplify the voices of dissatisfied residents, shedding light on the failures of the county government.
Hache’s attacks on Guyo’s leadership have resonated widely, especially as the governor struggles to maintain public confidence.
His social media exposes and sharp commentaries have made him a leading opposition figure within Isiolo’s political landscape, drawing both admiration and backlash.
What Next for Governor Guyo?
As calls for accountability grow louder, the governor finds himself at a crossroads. Will he address the concerns raised by critics like Hache Abdi and his constituents, or will he continue to sidestep pressing governance issues?
With public trust eroding and scrutiny intensifying, Governor Guyo’s leadership will likely remain under the microscope.
Whether he can recover from these mounting allegations or if his critics, led by his former trusted aide, will continue to expose his shortcomings remains to be seen.
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