In a significant ruling, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nyeri has reinstated Salad Boru Guracha as the Isiolo County Assembly Clerk, overturning his controversial removal by the County Assembly Service Board.
Justice Onesmus Makau issued an order barring any individual from assuming the clerk’s role until the case is fully adjudicated, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing political saga in Isiolo County.
The court’s decision has reignited debates over governance, procedural integrity, and minority representation in the region, with Guracha emerging as a central figure in a broader conflict tied to the impeachment proceedings against Governor Abdi Guyo.
Background of the Controversy
Guracha’s reinstatement follows his abrupt removal from office in June 2025, a move that coincided with heightened political tensions in Isiolo County.
The County Assembly Service Board had sent Guracha on compulsory leave, a decision he contested as unlawful and politically motivated.
His ousting came shortly after he canceled a public participation meeting linked to a planned motion to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo, fueling speculation that his removal was a strategic maneuver to influence the impeachment process.
As the County Assembly Clerk, Guracha plays a critical role in overseeing legislative procedures, including those related to impeachment motions.
His reinstatement underscores the importance of his position in ensuring the integrity of such processes, particularly in a county grappling with political volatility.
Guracha’s Legal Battle
In his petition to the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Guracha argued that his removal violated due process and was orchestrated to suppress his authority as clerk.
He claimed the decision was driven by political agendas rather than legitimate administrative grounds, pointing to the timing of his compulsory leave as evidence of targeted interference.
Justice Makau’s ruling to reinstate Guracha pending a full hearing on June 25, 2025, validates his claims of procedural irregularities and underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding fair governance.
The court’s interim order prohibits the County Assembly Service Board or any other entity from appointing a replacement clerk, ensuring Guracha’s continued leadership in the assembly’s operations.
This decision not only restores Guracha’s position but also reinforces the principle that public officials must be removed through transparent and lawful processes.
Community and Clan Dynamics
The reinstatement has drawn strong support from the Hawatu clan, to which Guracha belongs. Community elders have condemned his initial dismissal as an “unprocedural purge” targeting minority communities in Isiolo County.
They have framed the move as part of a broader pattern of marginalization, accusing Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto of orchestrating Guracha’s removal to consolidate political power.
In a public statement, Hawatu elders expressed solidarity with Guracha, describing his reinstatement as a step toward justice.
They also voiced strong opposition to the impeachment motion against Governor Guyo, arguing that both Guracha’s dismissal and the impeachment efforts contribute to an “unnecessary escalation” of tensions in Isiolo County.
The elders have called on the judiciary to deliver a fair and impartial ruling, emphasizing the need to uphold the “will of the people of Isiolo.”
Political Implications
The reinstatement of Guracha adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Abdi Guyo.
As the County Assembly Clerk, Guracha is responsible for ensuring that legislative processes, including public participation and voting on impeachment motions, adhere to legal and procedural standards.
His return to office could influence the trajectory of the impeachment process, particularly given his earlier decision to cancel a public participation meeting tied to the motion.
The political feud in Isiolo County reflects broader tensions between competing factions vying for control of the region’s governance structures.
Guracha’s case has become a flashpoint, highlighting issues of transparency, accountability, and the role of minority communities in local politics.
The Hawatu elders’ vocal support for both Guracha and Governor Guyo suggests that clan dynamics and ethnic representation will continue to shape the county’s political landscape.
Broader Context: Governance and Justice in Isiolo
The court’s intervention in Guracha’s case underscores the judiciary’s critical role in resolving disputes that threaten the stability of local governance.
By reinstating Guracha, the court has signaled its commitment to upholding due process and protecting public officials from arbitrary dismissal.
The upcoming hearing on June 25, 2025, will be closely watched, as its outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Kenya’s devolved governance system.
For Isiolo residents, Guracha’s reinstatement represents more than a legal victory; it is a beacon of hope for those advocating for fairness and inclusion in county leadership.
The Hawatu clan’s outspoken defense of Guracha highlights the importance of community voices in holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that minority groups are not sidelined in political processes.
Looking Ahead
As Isiolo County awaits the full hearing of Guracha’s case, the reinstatement has already sparked renewed discussions about governance, procedural integrity, and the delicate balance of power in the region.
The court’s final ruling will likely have far-reaching implications, not only for Guracha’s tenure but also for the impeachment proceedings against Governor Guyo and the broader political dynamics in Isiolo.
For now, Salad Boru Guracha stands reaffirmed in his role as County Assembly Clerk, a position that places him at the heart of Isiolo’s legislative and political processes.
His reinstatement serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles.
As the June 25 hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Employment and Labour Relations Court to deliver a verdict that reflects justice, fairness, and the will of the people of Isiolo County.
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