Isiolo, Kenya| In a dramatic turn of events, the gazettement of Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha as the Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly and Chairman of the Isiolo County Assembly Service Board has been officially revoked, effective July 14, 2025, as announced in a Kenya Gazette notice signed by Assembly Clerk Salad Guracha.
The decision, grounded in provisions of the Constitution, the County Governments Act, the Elections Act, and the County Assembly’s Standing Orders, marks the end of Banticha’s brief yet impactful tenure as Speaker.
However, this development is being viewed by many as a calculated step to pave the way for a more legitimate and widely supported election for the Speaker’s position, potentially strengthening Banticha’s standing in Isiolo’s volatile political landscape.
A Tumultuous Tenure Cut Short
Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha, a seasoned politician and former Member of Parliament for Isiolo South (2013–2017), assumed the role of Speaker on June 26, 2025, following a controversial gazettement that ousted his predecessor, Mohamed Roba Qoto.
Banticha’s appointment came amidst a heated political battle surrounding an attempt to impeach Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, a process led by Roba that was later nullified by the High Court in Meru for disregarding court orders before the senate drove the death knell into it that finally shelved it forever.
The gazettement of Banticha, signed by Clerk Salad Guracha, was seen as a decisive move to restore order in the County Assembly, which had been paralyzed by internal strife and legal disputes.
Banticha’s short-lived leadership was marked by bold actions that underscored his commitment to stabilizing the Assembly. On July 11, 2025, he visited the Assembly premises to assess the damage caused by recent conflicts sparked by the impeachment saga.
Addressing a section of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Assembly staff, Banticha emphasized the importance of resuming legislative duties, which had been stalled for nearly a month.
He pledged to provide fair and unbiased leadership, focusing on representation, oversight, and legislation to ensure effective service delivery for Isiolo residents.
His visit, coupled with a courtesy call to Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omonding to discuss security measures, was lauded by supporters as a proactive step toward restoring peace and functionality in the county.
However, Banticha’s tenure was not without controversy. A group of 16 MCAs, aligned with Roba, dismissed his gazettement as unlawful, claiming that no formal Assembly sitting had taken place to elect him as Speaker.
They accused Clerk Guracha of acting unilaterally, alleging a broader scheme to undermine the Assembly’s leadership.
Additionally, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo raised concerns in the Senate, noting that Banticha’s appointment was allegedly supported by only two MCAs, casting doubts on its legitimacy.
These criticisms fueled legal challenges, culminating in the July 14, 2025, revocation of his gazettement.
A Strategic Reset for Legitimacy
While the revocation may appear as a setback, political analysts and Banticha’s supporters view it as a strategic maneuver to solidify his leadership through a transparent and legitimate election process.
The degazettement does not automatically reinstate Mohamed Roba, leaving the Speaker’s position vacant and setting the stage for a new election.
Sources close to the Assembly indicate that the election of a new Speaker will be prioritized when the House reconvenes, with Deputy Speaker David Lemantile, the only MCA to retain his seat in the 2022 elections, temporarily overseeing Assembly business.
The timing of the revocation aligns with significant political shifts in Isiolo. On July 14, 2025, nominated MCA Amina Enow defected to Governor Guyo’s camp, joining eight other MCAs who have pledged their support to the Governor.
This includes Kinna MCA Major Jillo and Garba Tulla MCA Abdirashid Girandira, who have consistently opposed Roba’s impeachment efforts, arguing that they were unprocedural and influenced by external forces.
With three more MCAs reportedly considering defection, Governor Guyo’s camp now commands a formidable majority, further isolating Roba and weakening his prospects of reclaiming the Speaker’s seat.
Banticha’s Political Pedigree and Vision
Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha brings a wealth of experience to Isiolo’s political arena. Born on August 12, 1978, in Isiolo County, Banticha holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Maseno University and served as the MP for Isiolo South from 2013 to 2017 under the United Republican Party (URP) ticket, supported by the Jubilee Coalition.
During his parliamentary tenure, he was a member of the Departmental Committee on Energy, Communications, and Information, contributing to discussions on critical issues such as flood and drought management.
His political journey, though marked by limited parliamentary contributions, reflects a deep commitment to addressing Isiolo’s developmental challenges.
Banticha’s brief stint as Speaker showcased his dedication to restoring order and fostering collaboration between the County Assembly and the Executive.
His assurances to work closely with the County Commissioner’s office on security matters and his call for MCAs to resume their legislative responsibilities resonated with residents eager for stability and progress.
Supporters argue that his degazettement is a temporary hurdle, designed to ensure that his leadership is cemented through a democratic process that will silence critics and unify the Assembly.
Mohamed Roba’s Waning Influence
In contrast, Mohamed Roba Qoto’s political fortunes appear to be dwindling. Elected unopposed as Speaker in September 2022 with the support of all 18 MCAs, Roba’s leadership unraveled following his fallout with Governor Guyo, a former ally.
His aggressive push to impeach Guyo, backed by 16 MCAs, was halted by the High Court, which deemed the process null and void due to non-compliance with court orders.
Roba’s subsequent legal battles to reclaim his position were dealt a blow on July 11, 2025, when Justice Bahati Mwamuye declined to lift his degazettement, ordering further hearings for August 11.
Roba’s troubles were compounded by allegations of external influence and contempt of court, with the High Court summoning him to explain his defiance of judicial instructions.
His arrest in Machakos in June 2025 for allegedly threatening the Governor further eroded his public support.
Political observers note that Roba’s inability to rally grassroots support and his reliance on legal maneuvers have left him increasingly isolated, with many residents viewing his actions as disruptive to Isiolo’s governance.
A Path Forward for Isiolo
The revocation of Banticha’s gazettement has set the stage for a pivotal moment in Isiolo’s political landscape. With the Speaker’s position vacant, the upcoming election will be a litmus test for the county’s ability to navigate its deep-seated divisions.
Governor Guyo, who survived the impeachment attempt through a combination of legal acumen and political lobbying, has called for reconciliation and unity, urging leaders to prioritize service delivery.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, in his remarks following the Senate’s decision to uphold Guyo’s defense, advised the Governor to mend ties with dissenting legislators to prevent further instability.
For Abdullahi Banticha, the degazettement represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
A legitimate election could cement his leadership, leveraging his experience and commitment to inclusive governance to steer Isiolo’s County Assembly toward stability.
His supporters argue that his proactive engagement with MCAs, staff, and security officials during his brief tenure demonstrates his readiness to lead.
As Isiolo prepares for the next chapter, all eyes will be on the Assembly’s next moves and whether Banticha can emerge as the unifying figure the county desperately needs.
Looking Ahead
The revocation of Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha’s gazettement as Isiolo County Assembly Speaker on July 14, 2025, marks a critical juncture in the county’s political saga.
While his tenure was cut short, the move is widely seen as a strategic reset to ensure a transparent election process, bolstering Banticha’s legitimacy as a potential leader.
With Governor Guyo’s camp gaining momentum through MCA defections and Mohamed Roba’s influence waning, Isiolo stands at a crossroads. The upcoming Speaker election, under the interim leadership of Deputy Speaker David Lemantile, will be a defining moment for the county’s governance and stability.
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