•Isiolo Town Celebrates Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto’s Triumphant Return Amid Alleged Political Reconciliation
Isiolo, Kenya| Isiolo Town was awash with jubilation and vibrant energy as hundreds of residents poured into the streets to welcome back County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto(MRQ), affectionately dubbed “Sharif Abo” (Honourable Father), in a spectacular homecoming parade.
The festive atmosphere, marked by ululating women, cheering youths on motorbikes, and elders offering blessings, underscored the deep-rooted support for the embattled speaker, whose return followed weeks of intense political turmoil in Isiolo County.
This triumphant moment not only highlighted Roba’s enduring popularity but also signaled a potential turning point in the county’s fraught political landscape.
A Heroic Return Amidst a Sea of Supporters
The streets of Isiolo Town transformed into a vibrant tapestry of celebration as Speaker Roba’s convoy wound its way through the heart of the county.
Supporters, young and old, lined the roads, their voices rising in unison to the rhythm of a song composed in his honor.
The air was filled with the sounds of ululations, motorcycle revs, and chants of praise, creating a scene rarely witnessed in the region.
The colorful display of unity and solidarity reflected the community’s admiration for Roba, who has emerged as a central figure in Isiolo’s political arena.
The celebration was more than a mere homecoming; it was a powerful statement of resilience for a leader who has navigated a storm of political challenges, including leadership wrangles within the Isiolo County Assembly and a contentious attempt to impeach Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
The failed impeachment, halted by the Senate on July 8, 2025, at the preliminary stage, marked a significant moment in Roba’s tenure, cementing his position as a formidable figure in the county’s governance.
Political Tensions and Leadership Wrangles
The backdrop to Roba’s return is a saga of political intrigue and division within the Isiolo County Assembly. The assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with factions vying for control and legitimacy.
Earlier this year, Speaker Roba presided over an impeachment motion against Governor Guyo, tabled on June 10, 2025, by Sericho Ward MCA Abubakar Godana.
The motion, supported by 16 out of 18 MCAs, accused the governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional provisions, including appointing an excessive number of advisors and chief officers despite Isiolo’s limited budget.
However, the impeachment process was marred by chaos, including violent protests and vandalism of the assembly’s Hansard system, which disrupted proceedings.
The High Court in Meru intervened, issuing conservatory orders on June 25, 2025, declaring the impeachment null and void due to procedural flaws and defiance of court orders.
The Senate’s subsequent dismissal of the motion on July 8, 2025, citing a lack of certified evidence, further underscored the legal and procedural hurdles faced by the assembly.
Adding to the complexity, Roba faced his own challenges, including a brief arrest on June 23, 2025, in Machakos, which he alleged was a politically motivated attempt to derail the impeachment process.
His ouster as speaker, with Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha gazetted as his replacement on June 26, 2025, sparked further controversy. However, Roba contested this move, and the High Court declined to lift his degazettement, keeping the leadership dispute alive.
The assembly’s operation with two rival speakers and clerks has drawn comparisons to similar crises in other counties, highlighting the deep divisions within Isiolo’s legislative body.
A Message of Reconciliation and Unity
In a poignant statement shared on his social media platforms following his return, Speaker Roba struck a conciliatory tone, signaling a desire to move beyond the political heat that has gripped Isiolo.
He acknowledged the Senate’s decision to halt the impeachment motion and emphasized the lessons learned by the County Assembly, which was navigating its first such process.
“The motion brought a lot of political heat in the county, and it is now time to get back to the normal routine and work for our people. God bless,” Roba wrote, extending an olive branch to Governor Guyo and calling for a renewed focus on service delivery.
This message aligns with Governor Guyo’s own call for unity following his survival of the impeachment attempt.
In a statement on July 11, 2025, Guyo urged county leaders to rise above their differences and prioritize development, stating, “The time for blame and polarization is over; the time for unity and progress is now”.
The governor’s remarks reflect a shared recognition that the ongoing power struggles have hindered service delivery and deepened community divisions.
A Community’s Hope for Stability
Isiolo residents, who have watched the political drama unfold with growing concern, expressed hope that Roba’s return and his reconciliatory stance could herald a new era of stability.
The county, one of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, faces significant developmental challenges, including water scarcity, stalled projects, and limited revenue allocation.
Residents have called for dialogue between the County Assembly and the executive to resolve disputes and focus on critical issues like job creation and infrastructure development.
The leadership crisis has also drawn attention from national figures, with calls for President William Ruto to intervene and mediate the standoff.
Grassroots leaders, including the Isiolo Somali Council of Elders, have emphasized the need for unity to ensure that minority communities are not marginalized amid the political wrangling.
The Road Ahead for Isiolo
As Isiolo navigates this turbulent period, the spotlight remains on Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto and his role in steering the County Assembly toward stability.
His ability to rally support, as evidenced by the massive turnout for his return, underscores his influence and the trust he commands among residents.
However, the unresolved leadership disputes, including the ongoing court cases and the dual-speaker saga, pose significant challenges to restoring normalcy.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court, under Justice Hellen Wasilwa, has issued orders to maintain the status quo pending a hearing on July 17, 2025, regarding the gazettement of Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha as speaker.
Meanwhile, Roba’s legal battles, including his anticipatory bail granted on June 27, 2025, to shield him from arrest, highlight the high stakes of the ongoing power struggle.
What Next?
The triumphant return of Mohamed Roba Qoto to Isiolo Town is more than a moment of celebration; it is a call to action for leaders to bridge divides and prioritize the welfare of their constituents.
As the county grapples with the fallout of a failed impeachment and internal assembly conflicts, Roba’s leadership will be pivotal in fostering reconciliation and driving development.
With the community’s unwavering support and a renewed commitment to unity, Isiolo stands at a crossroads, with the potential to emerge stronger from its challenges.
For now, the people of Isiolo wait anxiously, hopeful that their leaders will rise to the occasion and deliver the progress they so desperately seek.