Isiolo, Kenya| A seismic shift in Isiolo County’s political landscape unfolded during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Oldonyiro, as County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba launched a scathing critique of the county’s leadership, branding it a failure of devolution.
In a speech that has sparked widespread speculation, Roba decried rampant corruption, mismanagement of public resources, and a lack of tangible development, signaling a potential fracture in his long-standing alliance with Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
The remarks have ignited debates about governance, oversight, and the future of political alignments in the county as the 2027 elections loom.
A Bold Critique of Devolution’s Shortcomings
Speaking to a gathering in Oldonyiro, Speaker Roba did not mince words, lamenting that the fruits of devolution in Isiolo have been “squeezed dry” by what he described as “devolved corruption” and the “gluttonous looting” of public resources.
Despite the significant funds allocated to Isiolo County since the advent of devolution in 2013, Roba argued that the region remains mired in backwardness and underdevelopment.
“Ukiangalia zile pesa zimeingia kaunti ya Isiolo since devolution na uangalie maendeleo zenye ziko, utahurumia raia wa Isiolo,” Roba said, translating to, “When you look at the money that has come to Isiolo County since devolution and compare it to the development on the ground, you will pity the people of Isiolo.”
Roba’s remarks targeted not only the current administration but also the broader leadership trajectory of the county.
He accused successive leaders of delivering “maneno tupu bila maendeleo” (empty promises without development), a statement that appeared to include Governor Guyo’s administration, despite their previously close partnership.
A Fractured Alliance?
Roba’s public criticism marks a significant departure from his earlier staunch defense of Governor Guyo, with whom he has been a close ally since both assumed office in 2022.
The two have often presented a united front, with Roba vocally supporting Guyo’s development agenda and shielding the administration from accusations of mismanagement.
However, Roba’s recent statements suggest a growing rift, potentially driven by political ambitions and shifting alliances.
Political analysts point to the presence of former Governor Godana Doyo, now a key ally of Governor Guyo, at the Madaraka Day event as a possible catalyst for the tension.
Sources indicate that Roba has grown uneasy about Guyo’s close relationship with Doyo, amid speculations that Guyo may back Doyo as a senatorial candidate in the 2027 elections.
Roba, who has openly expressed interest in the same Senate seat, reportedly views this as a betrayal of their alliance.
During his address, Roba hinted at the impermanence of political alliances, stating, “No alliance in politics is permanent.”
Local observers interpreted this as a strategic move to prepare his supporters for a potential break with Guyo, while keeping his remarks ambiguous enough to allow for reconciliation or clarification in the future.
Governance and Oversight Under Scrutiny
Roba’s criticisms also cast a spotlight on the County Assembly’s role as an oversight body.
The assembly has faced persistent public criticism for failing to adequately scrutinize the executive, including in the vetting of county employees and ensuring accountability for the use of taxpayer funds.
Many residents have accused the assembly of being complicit in the executive’s alleged mismanagement, with Roba’s leadership often singled out for lacking rigor.
The speaker’s remarks may signal an attempt to reposition himself as a champion of accountability, distancing himself from the executive’s perceived failures.
However, his long history of defending Guyo’s administration raises questions about the timing and motives behind his sudden shift in tone.
Political Implications and Future Prospects
The apparent fallout between Roba and Guyo could have far-reaching implications for Isiolo’s governance and development agenda.
A strained relationship between the assembly and the executive risks creating a deadlock, potentially stalling critical development projects and exacerbating tensions in an already politically volatile county.
Analysts warn that such a conflict could further erode public trust in devolved governance, which many residents already view as failing to deliver on its promises.
Roba’s veiled and ambiguous remarks leave room for interpretation, with some speculating that he may later clarify that his criticisms targeted previous administrations rather than Guyo’s.
Neither Roba nor Guyo has issued a public statement addressing the state of their alliance, leaving observers to speculate about the depth of the rift.
The 2027 elections add another layer of complexity, with Roba’s senatorial ambitions potentially pitting him against Doyo and, by extension, Guyo.
Political watchers suggest that Roba’s Madaraka Day speech was a calculated move to assert his independence and rally his base ahead of what could be a contentious electoral battle.
The Broader Context of Devolution in Isiolo
Isiolo County, like many others in Kenya, has grappled with the challenges of devolution since its introduction in 2013.
While devolution was intended to bring governance and resources closer to the people, allegations of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement have often overshadowed its benefits.
In Isiolo, residents have repeatedly voiced frustration over stalled projects, inadequate service delivery, and the misallocation of funds meant for critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Roba’s critique resonates with these concerns, but it also raises questions about his own role in the county’s governance failures.
As the head of the assembly, he bears responsibility for its oversight lapses, and his sudden pivot to criticizing the leadership may be seen by some as an attempt to deflect blame.
What Lies Ahead?
As Isiolo navigates this political storm, all eyes will be on Roba and Guyo to see whether they can mend their alliance or if the rift will deepen.
The speaker’s remarks have set the stage for a potentially contentious period in the county’s politics, with implications for both governance and the upcoming elections.
For residents, the hope is that this moment of reckoning will lead to greater accountability and a renewed focus on development.
However, without concrete action from both the assembly and the executive, Roba’s words risk being perceived as yet another example of the “empty promises” he himself decried.
Share This Post