Isiolo, Kenya| The County Assembly of Isiolo is undergoing a significant transformation following a series of high-profile political developments, including the expulsion of two nominated Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), leadership reshuffles, committee updates, and a temporary adjournment of the Assembly.
These events come in the wake of the controversial degazettement of Abdullahi Banticha as Speaker and the defection of several MCAs to Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan’s camp, marking a period of intense political maneuvering in the region.
UDM Expels Two Nominated MCAs for Gross Misconduct
In a decisive move, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) party formally expelled nominated MCAs Fozia Jibril Bore and Amina Omar Enow on July 14, 2025, citing gross misconduct, failure to honor party summons, and non-payment of mandatory party contributions.
The decision, communicated by the UDM’s National Executive Committee, was enacted under the 2024 UDM Disciplinary Committee Rules and takes effect immediately.
The Office of the Speaker, led by Mohamed Roba Qoto, has acknowledged the expulsion and pledged to act in accordance with the County Assembly’s Standing Orders and relevant legal frameworks.
The expulsions follow a wave of defections by several MCAs to Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan’s political camp, a move that has stirred tensions within the UDM leadership and reshaped the political landscape in Isiolo County.
Leadership Changes Reflect Shifting Political Alliances
The County Assembly also announced significant changes in its leadership structure, reflecting the evolving dynamics between the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions, which represent the majority and minority formations, respectively.
The new leadership appointments, effective immediately, are as follows:
- Abubakar Abdi Godana – Leader of the Majority Party
- Nicholas Lorot – Majority Chief Whip
- Halima Golle Agbudo – Leader of the Minority Party, replacing Fransisco Haji Letimalo
These appointments signal a strategic realignment within the Assembly, as political factions vie for influence amid the recent defections and the fallout from the failed impeachment motion against Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan.
Committee Updates and House Business Adjustments
In addition to leadership changes, the Assembly adopted a motion on July 14, 2025, to appoint Salesio Kiambi to the influential House Business, Rules, and Privileges Committee, replacing David Lemantile.
This decision, made pursuant to Standing Order 155(1)(d), underscores the Assembly’s efforts to stabilize its operations amid ongoing political turbulence.
The updated composition of the House Business, Rules, and Privileges Committee is now as follows:
- Mohamed Roba Qoto – Speaker and Chairperson
- Abubakar Abdi Godana – Leader of the Majority Party
- Halima Golle Agbudo – Leader of the Minority Party
- Nicholas Lorot – Member
- Salesio Kiambi – Member
This committee plays a critical role in shaping the Assembly’s legislative agenda, ensuring compliance with procedural rules, and addressing internal governance matters.
Assembly Adjourns for Urgent Renovations
In a separate development, the County Assembly has adjourned its sittings until July 29, 2025, following a motion moved by Majority Chief Whip Nicholas Lorot.
The adjournment is intended to facilitate urgent renovation works on the Assembly chambers, which were vandalized by goons on June 26, 2025.
The damage to the chambers has necessitated immediate repairs to restore a secure and conducive environment for legislative activities.
The vandalism incident, which has not been fully detailed in public statements, has raised concerns about the safety of Assembly members and staff.
The renovation period will allow the county to address these security challenges and ensure the Assembly can resume its duties without further disruptions.
Speaker Reflects on Failed Impeachment Motion
The recent political developments follow a contentious attempt to impeach Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, which was halted by the Senate on July 8, 2025, at the preliminary stage.
In a statement, Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto described the impeachment process as a “constitutional exercise” that provided valuable lessons for the Assembly, marking its first attempt at such a motion.
“The County Assembly of Isiolo respects the Senate’s decision, which has effectively sealed the fate of the impeachment motion,” Qoto stated. “The motion brought significant political heat to the county, and it is now time to return to our normal routine and focus on serving the people of Isiolo. God bless.”
The failed impeachment motion had heightened tensions in the county, exacerbating divisions among MCAs and fueling defections to Governor Guyo’s camp.
The Assembly’s leadership is now focused on restoring stability and advancing its legislative agenda.
Broader Implications for Isiolo’s Political Landscape
The recent developments in Isiolo County highlight the fluidity of political alliances and the challenges of maintaining party discipline in a highly competitive environment.
The expulsion of the two nominated MCAs underscores the UDM’s commitment to enforcing its constitution and code of conduct, while the leadership changes reflect the ongoing power struggles between the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions.
The adjournment of the Assembly, while necessary for renovations, also provides a cooling-off period for political actors to reassess their strategies and mend fractured relationships.
However, the vandalism of the Assembly chambers raises broader questions about political violence and the need for enhanced security measures to protect public institutions.
Looking Ahead
As Isiolo County navigates this period of transition, residents are closely watching how these changes will impact governance and service delivery.
The Assembly’s leadership, under Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto, has called for unity and a renewed focus on the needs of the county’s constituents.
With the Assembly set to reconvene on July 29, 2025, stakeholders are hopeful that the renovated chambers and restructured leadership will pave the way for a more productive legislative session.
In the meantime, the political developments in Isiolo continue to captivate observers, as the county grapples with mechanisms, the county government is likely to face ongoing scrutiny.
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