In a significant political realignment in Isiolo County, five Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have defected from the camp of former Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto (MRQ) and pledged their allegiance to Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
This development, announced on July 12, 2025, has bolstered the governor’s support base, effectively quashing any lingering threats of impeachment and signaling a new era of unity and development in the county.
With seven MCAs now backing him and reports of four more considering defection, Governor Guyo’s leadership appears unassailable, marking a turning point in Isiolo’s political landscape.
A Shift in Political Allegiance
The defection of the five MCAs is a pivotal moment for Isiolo County, which has faced political turbulence in recent months, including attempts to impeach Governor Guyo.
The newly aligned MCAs include prominent figures such as Deputy Speaker and Oldo Nyiro MCA David Lemantile, Nominated MCA Lentimalo, nominated MCAs Rahma Abdikadir, Fatuma Abdi and Fauzia Jibril. Majority Leader and Garba Tulla MCA Abdirashid Ali (Girandira) and Kinna MCA were there to express solidarity with them.
Their decision to reconcile with the governor reflects a broader call for unity and a focus on the county’s development over divisive politics.
David Lemantile, the Deputy Speaker, emphasized the need to move beyond past conflicts, stating, “Let’s leave what happened behind and focus on working for our people. Isiolo needs all of us.” His remarks underscore a collective desire among the defecting MCAs to prioritize the interests of Isiolo’s residents over factional disputes.
Nominated MCA Lentimalo, who was vocal during the impeachment process, confirmed the reconciliation, declaring, “During the impeachment process, I spoke a lot. But today, I say the opposite — we have reconciled with the Governor, together with the seven members. We now have a quorum, and the matter of impeachment is over.”
This statement signals the end of the impeachment saga that once threatened to destabilize Governor Guyo’s administration.
Majority Leader Abdirashid Ali echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of unity and peace. “Political differences are not war, and the people of Isiolo should not be divided along political lines. We must live together as one community,” he said.
Ali also cautioned against divisive rhetoric, warning, “The noise in town should not take us back to the dark days of bloodshed. The governor is also human and can make mistakes — just as we’ve learned, so has he. Now it’s time to come together and move Isiolo forward as one.”
Governor Guyo’s Olive Branch
Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, also known as Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, welcomed the defectors and expressed his commitment to fostering unity across the county assembly.
“I will reach out to the remaining MCAs so we can work together for Isiolo,” he stated. “I have already reconciled with five MCAs, and now it’s time to unite for the sake of development. I also call on residents to uphold peace — Isiolo has been peaceful, and we want that to continue.”
Guyo’s conciliatory approach has been instrumental in securing the loyalty of the seven MCAs, with indications that four more may soon join his camp.
This growing support base not only strengthens his position but also ensures that any future impeachment attempts are unlikely to succeed, as the governor now commands a significant majority in the county assembly.
The Decline of Mohamed Roba Qoto
The defection of the MCAs represents a significant blow to former Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto (MRQ), whose influence in Isiolo’s political arena has been steadily waning.
The final nail in MRQ’s political coffin came on Wednesday, when a court declined to de-gazette Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha as the current speaker, further solidifying the shift in power dynamics.
The court’s ruling, combined with the defections, has effectively marginalized MRQ’s faction, leaving him with diminished influence in the county’s political affairs.
Implications for Isiolo’s Future
The reconciliation between Governor Guyo and the defecting MCAs marks a critical juncture for Isiolo County, which has faced challenges ranging from political instability to developmental stagnation.
The newfound unity in the county assembly is expected to pave the way for more cohesive governance and accelerated development initiatives.
By rallying a majority of MCAs behind him, Governor Guyo is well-positioned to implement his administration’s agenda, which includes infrastructure development, improved public services, and the promotion of peace and unity among Isiolo’s diverse communities.
The emphasis on peace, as articulated by both the governor and the MCAs, is particularly significant given Isiolo’s history of ethnic and political tensions.
The county has experienced periods of violence in the past, and the leaders’ commitment to maintaining stability is a reassuring signal for residents who have long yearned for harmony and progress.
A Call for Unity and Development
As Isiolo County moves forward, the focus is shifting from political rivalries to collective action. The defecting MCAs have made it clear that their priority is to serve the people of Isiolo, and their alignment with Governor Guyo is seen as a pragmatic step toward achieving that goal.
With a strong coalition in the county assembly, the governor has an opportunity to deliver on his promises and address pressing issues such as water scarcity, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The defections also highlight the fluid nature of Kenyan county politics, where alliances are often forged and broken based on strategic calculations and the broader interests of the electorate.
In this case, the MCAs’ decision to back Governor Guyo reflects a recognition of the need for stability and cooperation to drive meaningful change in Isiolo.
Way Forward
The defection of five MCAs to Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo’s camp has reshaped the political landscape of Isiolo County, consolidating the governor’s leadership and effectively ending the threat of impeachment.
With seven MCAs now in his corner and more potentially on the way, Guyo is poised to lead with renewed strength and focus on development. The decline of former Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto, coupled with the court’s affirmation of the current speaker, underscores the shifting dynamics in Isiolo’s governance.
As the county looks to the future, the message from its leaders is clear: unity, peace, and progress must take precedence over division and conflict.
For the people of Isiolo, this political realignment offers hope for a more stable and prosperous future, driven by a shared commitment to the county’s growth and well-being.
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