In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Isiolo’s volatile political landscape, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has issued a landmark ruling, suspending the United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) controversial decision to expel two nominated Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), Amina Enow Omar and Fauzia Jibril Bore.
The tribunal’s decision, delivered on July 17, 2025, not only halts the expulsion but also bars any attempts to obstruct the duo from fulfilling their constitutional duties or initiating their replacement in the Isiolo County Assembly.
This judicial intervention has been hailed as a critical victory for democracy, due process, and the rule of law, while exposing the deep-seated power struggles threatening to destabilize UDM and the broader Isiolo County leadership.
A Lifeline for Governor Guyo’s Loyalists
The PPDT’s ruling comes as a significant reprieve for Amina Enow and Fauzia Jibril, both staunch allies of Isiolo County Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
The two MCAs faced expulsion from UDM in what many political analysts describe as a calculated move by party leaders, including UDM honchos Roba and Abshiro, to weaken the governor’s influence within the county assembly.
The expulsion was initially framed as a matter of enforcing party discipline, but critics argue it was a retaliatory act following the failed impeachment attempt against Governor Guyo earlier this year.
The tribunal’s orders effectively shield the governor’s loyalists from what has been described as “internal party sabotage.”
By suspending the expulsion and prohibiting any gazettement or replacement processes, the PPDT has ensured that Amina Enow and Fauzia Jibril remain in office, continuing to serve as nominated MCAs.
The ruling also underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional mandates against political vendettas, with the case set for a compliance check and further directions on July 30, 2025.
Unraveling UDM’s Internal Power Struggle
The attempted expulsion of Amina Enow and Fauzia Jibril has laid bare the festering divisions within UDM, a party that has been grappling with internal conflicts amid Isiolo’s broader leadership crisis.
Sources close to the county assembly suggest that the purge was orchestrated by senior UDM figures seeking to consolidate power and sideline Governor Guyo’s supporters following their unsuccessful bid to oust him.
The failed impeachment, which took place earlier in 2025, left the county assembly bitterly divided, with parallel power structures and competing factions vying for control.
The PPDT’s intervention has been widely interpreted as a stinging rebuke of UDM’s leadership, particularly Roba and Abshiro, who have been accused of orchestrating a “witch hunt” to punish dissenting voices within the party.
Political observers note that the tribunal’s ruling exposes the fragility of UDM’s internal cohesion and raises questions about the party’s commitment to democratic principles.
“What was sold as party discipline is now unraveling as a thinly veiled act of revenge,” remarked a Nairobi-based political analyst, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “This ruling not only protects the MCAs but also sends a clear message that political intimidation will not go unchecked.”
Implications for Isiolo’s Governance
The PPDT’s decision comes at a critical juncture for Isiolo County, which has been plagued by political instability and leadership wrangles that threaten to disrupt essential services.
On July 16, 2025, County Assembly Speaker Roba Koto warned that the ongoing standoff between factions aligned with UDM and the Kenya African National Union (KANU) could jeopardize the county’s fragile ethnic balance and stall critical services such as water supply and healthcare delivery.
The leadership crisis, exacerbated by a recent reshuffle in the assembly’s top ranks, has already brought operations to a near standstill, with residents and grassroots leaders calling for urgent intervention from national authorities, including President William Ruto.
The High Court’s earlier intervention on July 15, 2025, to halt the removal of newly elected County Assembly Speaker Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha further underscores the depth of Isiolo’s governance challenges.
Justice Hellen Wasilwa’s conservatory orders, issued in response to Banticha’s petition against his attempted ousting, highlighted the “parallel power structures” within the assembly, a situation that mirrors the current dispute involving Amina Enow and Fauzia Jibril.
A Victory for Democracy and Constitutionalism
Legal experts and civil society groups have lauded the PPDT’s ruling as a triumph for democracy and constitutionalism.
By suspending UDM’s expulsion order and protecting the MCAs’ right to discharge their duties, the tribunal has reaffirmed the importance of due process in resolving political disputes.
“This decision is a powerful reminder that no individual or party is above the law,” said a prominent Nairobi-based lawyer specializing in constitutional law. “The judiciary has once again proven its role as a bulwark against political overreach and impunity.”
For Amina Enow and Fauzia Jibril, the ruling provides a critical lifeline, allowing them to continue their work without the immediate threat of removal.
Their resilience in the face of political intimidation has resonated with many in Isiolo, where residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the county’s leadership turmoil.
The two MCAs have vowed to remain steadfast in their duties, buoyed by the judicial protection and their commitment to serving the people of Isiolo.
What Lies Ahead
As the PPDT prepares for the next hearing on July 30, 2025, all eyes will be on the tribunal’s final determination of the case.
The outcome is likely to have far-reaching implications for UDM’s internal dynamics and Isiolo’s political stability. Should the tribunal uphold the suspension of the expulsion, it could embolden Governor Guyo’s faction within the county assembly, potentially shifting the balance of power in his favor.
Conversely, a reversal of the ruling could further escalate tensions, deepening the rift within UDM and the broader county leadership.
In the meantime, the PPDT’s decision has sparked renewed calls for dialogue and reconciliation among Isiolo’s political leaders.
Grassroots leaders and residents are urging all parties to prioritize the county’s development over personal and factional interests.
“Isiolo cannot afford to remain paralyzed by these power struggles,” said a local community leader. “The people deserve leaders who put service delivery and unity first.”
In the Meantime…
The PPDT’s ruling to suspend the expulsion of Amina Enow Omar and Fauzia Jibril Bore marks a pivotal moment in Isiolo’s ongoing political saga.
By halting UDM’s purge and protecting the MCAs’ constitutional mandate, the tribunal has not only safeguarded the rights of two elected officials but also sent a powerful message about the importance of due process in Kenya’s political landscape.
As the case heads toward its next hearing, the people of Isiolo and political observers across the country will be watching closely, hopeful that this judicial intervention will pave the way for greater stability and accountability in the county’s governance.
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