Isiolo, Kenya| A prominent human rights lawyer and advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Kana Golicha Duba, has condemned the looming impeachment of Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan(Guyo), terming it a “historical mistake” that risks destabilizing the county and undermining the will of the people.
In a strongly worded open letter addressed to residents and political leaders of Isiolo County, Duba—a respected figure from the Oromo-Borana community—warned that the impeachment effort is not only ill-advised but also a betrayal of democratic ideals and cultural values that emphasize dialogue and unity over political scheming.
“Governor Guyo was not imposed on Isiolo; he was overwhelmingly elected by the people from all communities, backgrounds, and regions,” Duba stated.
“The attempt to impeach him is a regrettable error that threatens to drag the entire county into unnecessary conflict.”
Drawing from the Oromo’s traditional Gadaa system, which he described as rooted in justice, peace, and democratic consensus, Duba criticized what he sees as a power struggle cloaked in legal process.
He urged political leaders to prioritize unity and service delivery over personal rivalries.
“Among the Oromo, leadership is respected rather than undermined by backdoor schemes,” Duba said.
“Our values teach us to resolve disputes through dialogue, not division. These principles are being trampled by this personal political struggle.”
Duba further questioned who would bear the brunt of the consequences should the impeachment succeed.
He warned that ordinary residents—especially the youth, pastoralist communities, and women relying on county health services—would suffer most if governance was disrupted by political infighting.
“To our MCAs and political leaders: I appeal to your conscience,” Duba pleaded. “This is not the time to play politics with people’s lives. Governor Guyo deserves the chance to fulfil the mandate given to him by the people—the same people who will judge his performance at the ballot box.”
Calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions, Duba urged all Isiolo communities to reject divisive politics and instead support stability and development.
“Isiolo needs peace. Isiolo needs development. Isiolo needs all its communities to work together, not tear each other apart,” he said. “Let us not make a historical mistake we will all regret.”
Below: Isiolo Governor Guyo Abdi Ibrahim and assembly speaker Mohamed Roba(In a wig). -The duo are political allies-turned-foes.
The letter comes amid rising political tensions in Isiolo County as factions within the County Assembly push for Governor Guyo’s impeachment, citing yet-to-be-disclosed charges.
The development has sparked concern among civil society groups and community leaders, who fear the move could ignite ethnic divisions and stall progress in the semi-arid region.
Governor Guyo, who was elected in 2022, has yet to issue a formal response to the latest calls for his removal.
However, his allies have dismissed the effort as politically motivated and lacking popular support.
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