•Samal, Hajji, and Bahari Lead Calls for Dialogue as Political Temperatures Rise in Isiolo
Isiolo, Kenya| In a powerful display of unity and concern for Isiolo County’s fragile stability, a cross-section of the region’s political and civic leaders have come out strongly in defense of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, urging the County Assembly to abandon its impeachment efforts and instead embrace dialogue as the path forward.
The calls come amid intensifying political tensions, deepening ethnic polarization, and mounting economic strain in the county, following a controversial impeachment motion backed by a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
Leaders from across the political spectrum are warning that the move to oust Governor Guyo risks plunging Isiolo into deeper crisis—undermining progress, disrupting essential services, and destabilizing a region long hailed as a beacon of ethnic coexistence in northern Kenya.
MP Joseph Samal: Impeachment is a Dangerous Distraction
Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal has emerged as a prominent voice of moderation, calling the impeachment motion premature, inflammatory, and ultimately counterproductive.
Speaking during a public address in Isiolo town, Samal warned that the political maneuver is fanning ethnic tensions and threatening the hard-won unity among Isiolo’s diverse communities.
“The impeachment motion has pushed the county to the edge,” Samal said. “It is polarizing our communities and fanning dangerous rhetoric at a time when we should be building bridges, not burning them.”
Samal urged the MCAs to prioritize dialogue and national values of cohesion and inclusion over political brinkmanship. He specifically appealed to two MCAs from his own constituency to champion peace and lead reconciliation efforts.
While acknowledging that oversight is a key legislative function, the MP emphasized that impeachment should remain a measure of last resort—not a political tool for settling scores.
“The allegations presented do not meet the constitutional threshold for impeachment. Let us address grievances through consultation and lawful processes,” he said, highlighting the governor’s record on inclusive development, including road rehabilitation, clean water projects, and youth empowerment initiatives.
SASDF’s Nuh Hajji Denies Political Involvement, Calls for Mediation
Adding weight to the growing consensus for calm, Nuh Hajji, CEO of the Strategic Analysis and Sustainable Development Forum (SASDF) and a former senatorial candidate, publicly distanced himself from online speculation linking him to the impeachment effort.
Responding to allegations by pro-impeachment bloggers, Hajji categorically denied involvement, reaffirming his commitment to impartial public service.
“As a civil servant, my oath is to serve all Kenyans fairly. I have no hand in this political saga,” Hajji stated. “This crisis requires reasoned leadership, not propaganda.”
Hajji painted a grim picture of the county’s current situation, pointing to unpaid salaries, stalled development projects, and a growing climate of uncertainty.
He echoed calls from religious leaders and elders for a mediated resolution that would spare Isiolo further economic and social damage.
“Yes, the Governor may have made some administrative missteps—no leader is perfect—but this path of impeachment is messy, divisive, and will only worsen the suffering of our people.”
Hajji urged the County Assembly to consider the broader implications of their actions, warning that political instability in Isiolo could have ripple effects across the region.
Abdul Bahari Ali: Put the People First, Not Politics
Former Isiolo South MP and 2027 gubernatorial aspirant Abdul Bahari Ali has also joined the chorus opposing the impeachment, labeling it a disruption to service delivery and a distraction from the county’s urgent development needs.
Speaking during a community dialogue forum, Bahari criticized the timing and intent of the motion, arguing that residents are already reeling from harsh economic conditions, including delayed payments for public servants and contractors.
“The impeachment motion has introduced unnecessary paralysis. The people of Isiolo are suffering while leaders engage in political games,” he said.
Bahari urged Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto and the MCAs to consider a collaborative resolution to any grievances against the Governor, warning that the motion could face protracted legal battles, further hampering county operations.
“We must choose the path of reason. If we destroy institutions for short-term political gain, we all lose,” he added.
Bahari, known for his longstanding political influence and ambitions for 2027, called for political maturity and ethnic harmony, noting that inflammatory rhetoric could inflame tensions in a county famed for its cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence.
Governor Guyo: A Steady Hand Amid Crisis
Despite the storm swirling around him, Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo continues to enjoy significant support from leaders and grassroots communities alike, particularly for his track record in infrastructure development, social inclusion, and service delivery.
Since assuming office in 2022, Guyo has overseen major upgrades in road infrastructure, expanded water access to marginalized areas, and launched youth training and employment programs aimed at reducing dependency and tribal patronage politics.
His administration has also championed peaceful coexistence, launching inter-community forums and dispute resolution initiatives designed to neutralize the ethnic hostilities that have historically plagued Isiolo.
While some MCAs accuse the Governor of mismanagement, critics of the impeachment argue that these issues should be addressed through audits and administrative dialogue—not through a politically charged ouster process.
A Call for Common Sense and Constructive Politics
The joint calls by Samal, Hajji, and Bahari reflect a broader movement within Isiolo’s leadership—a collective recognition that political instability benefits no one.
Religious figures, elders, civil society organizations, and a growing number of citizens are urging all parties to sit at the table, reconcile differences, and place the county’s future above political ambition.
The impeachment motion now sits at a crossroads. The County Assembly must choose between deepening divisions or embracing dialogue that could reset the county’s trajectory towards peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
With key figures rallying behind Governor Guyo, many hope that reason will prevail—and that Isiolo can emerge from this crisis stronger, united, and focused on delivering real change to its people.
