•The threats appeared to be directed towards Isiolo Governor and certain communities residing in Isiolo
In a shocking development that has heightened tensions in Kenya’s northern region, Abdikadir Suleiman, who is the Head of Intergovernmental Relations and Coordination in Marsabit County Governor Mohamud Ali (Abshiro)‘s cabinet, has been accused of threatening “unprecedented bloodshed” in neighboring Isiolo County.
The inflammatory remarks, directed at Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo and a section of Isiolo communities, have sparked widespread condemnation, particularly from minority communities in Isiolo, and raised questions about the motives behind such provocative statements from an official of a neighboring county.
The Provocative Statements and Public Backlash
Abdikadir Suleiman’s alleged threats, made in a video circulating widely on social media, accused Governor Guyo of orchestrating unspecified attacks without providing evidence to substantiate the claims.
Suleiman’s call for “unprecedented bloodshed” and the explicit demand for Governor Guyo’s removal have sent shockwaves through Isiolo, a region already grappling with occasional ethnic tensions and resource-based conflicts.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, with hundreds of users demanding Suleiman’s immediate arrest and urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to act swiftly. One user posted, “#DCI TO TAKE NOTE B4 ITS TOO LATE #FICHUA KWA DCI BEFORE THEY PUT THERE WORDS INTO ACTION,” reflecting the urgency and alarm among residents.
The statements have particularly alarmed minority tribes in Isiolo, who view them as a dangerous escalation, especially given Marsabit’s history of ethnic violence.
Critics argue that such rhetoric from a high-ranking official in a neighboring county risks inflaming inter-community tensions and undermining the fragile peace in the region.
The timing of Suleiman’s remarks, coinciding with ongoing efforts to impeach Governor Guyo, has fueled speculation about political motivations and the involvement of Marsabit’s leadership in Isiolo’s internal affairs.
Political Tensions and Alleged Personal Vendettas
The root of the discord between Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo appears to stem from a personal and political rift.
Sources close to Governor Guyo allege that the animosity began when he declined a request from Governor Ali to employ a relative of the Marsabit governor, a woman who unsuccessfully contested for a Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat under Ali’s United Democratic Movement (UDM) party.
The UDM holds significant influence in Isiolo’s county assembly, with several MCAs aligned with the party reportedly supporting the impeachment motion against Governor Guyo.
This has led to accusations that the threats from Suleiman may be part of a broader strategy to destabilize Guyo’s administration and bolster political allies in Isiolo.
Governor Guyo, a first-term governor known for his efforts to promote development and unity in Isiolo, has faced significant challenges, including natural disasters in Isiolo county such as wildfires in Sericho and Cherab wards that decimated tens of thousands of acres of pasture land in addition to scrutiny from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee which many have cited as having all the hallmarks of a politically motivated nature.
Despite these pressures, Guyo has maintained a strong focus on delivering services to Isiolo residents, as evidenced by his pledge to prioritize development over politics during a recent meeting with President William Ruto.
His supporters argue that the threats from Suleiman are an attempt to undermine his leadership and distract from his achievements, such as infrastructure improvements and efforts to foster peace among Isiolo’s diverse communities.
Legal Implications Under Kenyan Law
Suleiman’s alleged threats fall under the purview of Kenya’s Penal Code, which explicitly criminalizes incitement to violence and threats to kill. Section 223(1) of the Penal Code classifies uttering or causing another to receive a threat to kill as a felony, punishable by imprisonment.
Additionally, Section 96 prohibits actions calculated to cause death, injury, or disobedience of the law, including incitement to violence. Legal experts argue that Suleiman’s statements, if verified, could lead to serious charges, given their potential to incite unrest in a region already prone to conflict.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has previously flagged Isiolo and Marsabit as hotspots for hate speech and political tension, particularly during election periods.
In 2022, the NCIC reported heightened political tensions in both counties, underscoring the need for vigilance to prevent violence. Suleiman’s remarks, if deemed to promote ethnic or political animosity, could also violate laws under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, further amplifying calls for swift action by law enforcement.
Regional Context: A History of Conflict and Peace Efforts
Isiolo and Marsabit counties have a complex history of inter-community conflicts, often driven by competition over resources such as water and grazing land.
In April 2025, pastoralist communities from Isiolo, Samburu, and Marsabit signed a peace agreement facilitated by the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), aimed at ending years of border conflicts.
This pact, hailed as a milestone, underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation in fostering stability. However, Suleiman’s threats risk undoing these gains, particularly as they come from an official in Marsabit, a county that has faced criticism for slow police responses to past violent incidents.
Governor Guyo has been a proponent of peace-building initiatives, working closely with local leaders and national authorities to address banditry and ethnic clashes.
His administration’s efforts to improve security and promote economic development have earned him support among many Isiolo residents, who view him as a unifying figure.
In contrast, critics of Governor Ali point to ongoing challenges in Marsabit, including allegations of mismanagement and ethnic favoritism, as reported by the Daily Nation in June 2025.
These dynamics add a layer of complexity to the current controversy, with some speculating that Suleiman’s remarks may reflect broader frustrations within Marsabit’s leadership.
Public and Political Reactions
The backlash against Suleiman’s statements has been swift, with community leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens condemning the rhetoric as reckless and divisive.
Minority groups in Isiolo have expressed particular concern, noting that such threats could exacerbate existing tensions and lead to targeted violence.
Political analysts suggest that the remarks may be an attempt to rally support among certain factions in Isiolo while undermining Guyo’s credibility ahead of the impeachment proceedings.
Supporters of Governor Guyo have rallied to his defense, praising his commitment to inclusive governance and his refusal to bow to external pressures.
They argue that the threats are a desperate tactic by political adversaries to destabilize his administration.
Meanwhile, questions have been raised about Governor Ali’s role, with some wondering whether Suleiman’s statements were made with his knowledge or approval.
Neither Governor Ali nor Suleiman has issued a public statement addressing the controversy, further fueling speculation.
Calls for Accountability and Next Steps
As tensions simmer, there is growing pressure on the DCI and other authorities to investigate Suleiman’s remarks and take appropriate action.
The NCIC has been urged to monitor the situation closely to prevent escalation, particularly given the history of ethnic violence in the region.
Governor Guyo, for his part, has remained focused on his duties, with aides indicating that he will continue to prioritize development and unity in Isiolo despite the provocations.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance of power and influence in Kenya’s northern counties, where political rivalries and ethnic dynamics often intersect.
For Governor Guyo, the incident is yet another challenge in a tenure marked by resilience and determination to deliver for his constituents.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the authorities to ensure that justice is served and peace is maintained in Isiolo and beyond.
Looking Ahead…
The threats of “unprecedented bloodshed” by Abdikadir Suleiman have cast a shadow over Isiolo, raising serious concerns about regional stability and the misuse of political influence.
Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, a leader committed to progress and unity, now faces an unwarranted attack that threatens to undermine his administration’s achievements.
As calls for accountability grow louder, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible leadership and robust legal enforcement to safeguard Kenya’s fragile peace.
The nation awaits decisive action to address this alarming episode and prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.
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