In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Isiolo County, the Speaker of the County Assembly, Mohamed Roba Qoto, has been disarmed by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), sparking a firestorm of accusations, political intrigue, and public debate.
Qoto, a polarizing figure at the center of an ongoing impeachment saga targeting Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, took to social media to air his grievances, alleging that DCI Director Mohamed Amin orchestrated the disarmament as part of a broader scheme to silence him.
The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some residents praising the DCI’s actions, citing Qoto’s recent controversial behavior, while others view it as a politically motivated attack.
A Speaker Under Fire
Qoto’s public statement, posted on his social media platforms, was laden with serious allegations against DCI Director Mohamed Amin.
He claimed that Amin dispatched officers to seize his firearm, framing the action as an attempt to intimidate him due to longstanding personal and professional differences.
“I know when I was at DCI, we were not the best of friends. You blamed me for some reasons,” Qoto wrote, suggesting that the disarmament stemmed from a personal vendetta.
He went further, alleging that his life is in danger and holding Amin and “his friend Kayole” (a reference to Governor Guyo) responsible for any harm that might befall him.
The Speaker’s post also hinted at a broader conspiracy, accusing Amin of corrupt practices and claiming insider knowledge of a plan to arrest him before Thursday.
“Eat in silence, we know everything. The plan is to arrest me before Thursday, we know the game,” Qoto declared, without providing specific evidence to substantiate his claims.
Defiant in tone, he added, “I am made of steel, and you shall be ashamed,” signaling his resolve to resist what he described as “cheap theatrics.”
Impeachment Controversy Fuels Tensions
The disarmament comes at a time when Qoto is embroiled in a contentious impeachment motion against Governor Guyo, which has polarized Isiolo’s political landscape.
The motion, reportedly introduced under Qoto’s leadership, has faced significant opposition, with allegations that it was externally influenced.
The controversy has led to chaotic scenes, with some Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) reportedly fleeing to Nakuru and later Machakos, allegedly to avoid coercion or external pressure.
Disturbing reports have also emerged, with family members of some MCAs claiming that their loved ones are being held under duress, a matter now under investigation by law enforcement.
Qoto’s conduct during this period has drawn particular scrutiny. Local residents and observers have accused him of reckless behavior, including an incident where he allegedly brandished a firearm in public during a recent appearance at the County Assembly.
This occurred despite a court order prohibiting the impeachment proceedings from moving forward, further fueling public outrage. For many in Isiolo, the DCI’s decision to disarm Qoto is a welcome step toward restoring order and accountability.
“A leader should not be waving guns to intimidate people,” said one resident, who requested anonymity. “The DCI did the right thing by taking action.”
Public and Political Reactions
The disarmament has sparked a divided response in Isiolo. Supporters of Governor Guyo argue that Qoto’s actions, including his alleged defiance of a court order and public display of a firearm, justify the DCI’s intervention.
They view the Speaker as a destabilizing force, using his position to push a controversial agenda that has plunged the county into political turmoil.
Critics of Qoto, including some local leaders, have called for further investigations into his conduct, particularly regarding allegations of external influence in the impeachment process.
However, Qoto’s supporters see the disarmament as a targeted attack aimed at undermining his authority and silencing dissent against Governor Guyo’s administration.
They argue that the DCI’s actions lack transparency, noting that no official statement has been issued by the agency to explain the rationale behind the disarmament.
This silence has fueled speculation and mistrust, with some residents questioning whether the move was politically motivated.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigations
The DCI’s decision to disarm Qoto raises several questions, particularly in the absence of an official statement from the agency.
Was the disarmament a routine security measure, or does it signal a deeper investigation into Qoto’s actions? The Speaker’s allegations of a planned arrest and his cryptic references to corruption and a conspiracy add further complexity to the situation.
Without concrete evidence, these claims risk being dismissed as inflammatory rhetoric, but they have nonetheless heightened tensions in an already volatile political climate.
The ongoing investigation into the alleged coercion of MCAs adds another layer of intrigue. If substantiated, these claims could have far-reaching implications for Isiolo’s political leadership and the integrity of the impeachment process.
For now, the public awaits clarity from law enforcement and the courts, which are expected to play a pivotal role in resolving the crisis.
A County on Edge
Isiolo County remains on edge as the feud between Qoto, Governor Guyo, and the DCI unfolds.
The Speaker’s defiance, coupled with his serious allegations against senior officials, has cast a shadow over the County Assembly’s operations and raised concerns about the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Governor Guyo’s administration faces mounting pressure to address the impeachment controversy and restore public confidence.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the DCI and the courts to provide clarity and accountability.
For now, Qoto’s disarmament serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within Isiolo’s political landscape, where personal rivalries, allegations of corruption, and power struggles threaten to overshadow the county’s governance.
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