In a bold and contentious move, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo has demanded the immediate dismissal of County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, citing his alleged failure to curb rampant insecurity in Isiolo County over his eight-year tenure.
The senator’s fiery remarks, delivered with a call to action for both the government and the public, have ignited a heated debate, drawing sharp criticism from local groups who accuse her of exploiting the region’s challenges for political gain.
As Isiolo grapples with persistent lawlessness, ethnic tensions, and political infighting, the clash between Dullo’s accusations and Omoding’s defenders underscores a deeper struggle for accountability and stability in the region.
Senator Dullo’s Case Against Omoding
Senator Dullo has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the state of security in Isiolo, pointing to a surge in crime, ethnic clashes, and drug trafficking as evidence of systemic failure under Omoding’s leadership.
Speaking on the matter, she stated, “The Isiolo County Commissioner has been in office for eight years. Insecurity is rampant, and he’s done nothing. If the government won’t remove him, the people’s will shall.”
Her remarks reflect growing frustration among residents who have endured years of instability, with incidents of violence and lawlessness undermining the county’s development.
Dullo has escalated her campaign by formally raising the issue with the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary for Interior, urging immediate action to replace Omoding.
During a Senate session on February 20, 2025, she linked the county’s security challenges to broader governance issues, accusing local leadership of failing to address orchestrated chaos, including during President William Ruto’s visit to Isiolo.
Her rhetoric, often laced with dramatic phrases like “Isiolo is bleeding,” has resonated with some residents but drawn ire from others who view her as inflaming tensions rather than offering solutions.
Sakuye Media Network’s Rebuttal: A Politically Motivated Attack?
Dullo’s call for Omoding’s removal has not gone unchallenged. The Sakuye Media Network, a local media advocacy group, issued a scathing statement earlier in the evening, dismissing her demands as a “textbook example of her penchant for stirring anarchy.”
The group accused Dullo of targeting public servants like Omoding to bolster her political image while deflecting from her own role in fueling unrest. “Far from being a voice for the people, Dullo’s actions betray a calculated agenda to sow division and chaos for political mileage,” the statement read.
The network pointed to Dullo’s recent political maneuvers, particularly her failed attempt to impeach Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, as evidence of her divisive tactics.
The impeachment motion, spearheaded by certain Isiolo MCAs and allegedly orchestrated by Dullo, was riddled with procedural flaws and lacked credible evidence, leading to its dismissal by the Senate on July 8, 2025, following a court order.
The chaos surrounding the process, including vandalism of the County Assembly chamber and alleged threats against MCAs, was attributed to Dullo’s inflammatory rhetoric.
Critics argue that her current focus on Omoding is a continuation of this pattern, redirecting public frustration to a new target after her defeat in the impeachment saga.
Omoding’s Record: A Defender Under Fire
County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, a seasoned administrator, has been at the helm of Isiolo’s security apparatus for eight years, navigating a region fraught with complex challenges.
Supporters, including the Sakuye Media Network and Governor Guyo, commend Omoding for his efforts to maintain stability in a county plagued by ethnic tensions, drug trafficking, and political volatility.
On July 11, 2025, Omoding publicly urged leaders to refrain from politicizing security issues, warning that such actions provide cover for criminals.
“Unity is our strength,” he stated, a sentiment echoed by Governor Guyo, who has called for collaborative efforts to address Isiolo’s challenges.
Omoding’s tenure has not been without accomplishments. He has worked to de-escalate conflicts, mediate ethnic disputes, and coordinate security operations in a region where resources are often stretched thin.
His handling of high-profile incidents, such as the heckling of President Ruto during a visit to Isiolo, demonstrated professionalism under pressure, despite Dullo’s claims of systemic failure.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, addressing Dullo’s security concerns during a February 2025 session, redirected responsibility to Omoding and the Inspector General of Police, affirming their competence in managing the situation.
The Broader Context: Isiolo’s Security Challenges
Isiolo’s security woes are deeply rooted in a combination of historical grievances, resource competition, and political rivalries.
The county, a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, has long grappled with tensions over land, water, and grazing rights, often exacerbated by political rhetoric. The proliferation of illegal arms and drug trafficking has further complicated efforts to maintain law and order.
While Dullo attributes these issues to Omoding’s leadership, critics argue that the challenges are systemic, requiring coordinated efforts from national and county governments, as well as community leaders.
Dullo’s critics, including the Sakuye Media Network, contend that her selective outrage ignores her own contributions to the county’s unrest.
Her accusations of compromised security during the impeachment saga were debunked by Senate leadership, and her calls for a police overhaul following public chants of “Dullo Must Go” have been dismissed as deflection.
The network’s statement accused her of failing to address critical issues like the drug trade constructively, instead using them as political fodder.
A Polarized Debate: Unity vs. Division
The controversy surrounding Dullo’s demand for Omoding’s removal highlights a broader divide in Isiolo’s political landscape.
On one side, Dullo and her supporters argue that bold action, including leadership changes, is necessary to address the county’s security crisis.
On the other, Omoding’s defenders, including Governor Guyo and local advocacy groups, call for unity and pragmatic solutions, accusing Dullo of exploiting the situation for political gain.
As Isiolo residents await resolution, the stakes remain high. The county’s stability hinges on effective leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing root causes rather than trading blame.
Whether Dullo’s campaign against Omoding will lead to meaningful change or further polarize the region remains to be seen.
Conclusion: A Call for Constructive Leadership
The clash between Senator Fatuma Dullo and County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding encapsulates the challenges facing Isiolo County—a region yearning for stability amid complex social, political, and security dynamics.
While Dullo’s demand for accountability resonates with those frustrated by persistent insecurity, her critics argue that her approach risks deepening divisions rather than fostering solutions.
Omoding, despite facing criticism, remains a figure of stability for many, working diligently in a challenging environment.
As the debate unfolds, Isiolo’s residents deserve leaders who prioritize unity, evidence-based solutions, and constructive dialogue over political grandstanding.
For now, the spotlight remains on Dullo, Omoding, and the government’s response, as the county navigates a critical juncture in its quest for peace and progress.
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