Isiolo, Kenya| Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Abdi Guyo, has issued a passionate plea for unity and an end to the politicization of recent tragedies that have shaken the county.
In a detailed press statement, the governor addressed a series of devastating incidents, including a horrific arson attack that claimed the lives of a mother, her three children, and a close relative, as well as the death of prominent local blogger Ismail Abdikadir in a hit-and-run accident.
Governor Guyo condemned efforts by some leaders to exploit these incidents for political gain, specifically criticizing Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo for what he described as misleading and baseless remarks linking the tragedies to his administration and the county’s recent political turmoil.
A Wave of Tragedies in Isiolo
Isiolo County has been reeling from a series of isolated but deeply unsettling incidents in recent weeks, which have heightened fear and anxiety among residents.
The most harrowing of these was an arson attack that resulted in the deaths of Halima Ware, her three children, and a cousin. According to police reports, the fire, which razed the family’s home, stemmed from a domestic dispute involving a suspected love triangle.
The governor noted that the victim had previously reported threats to her life, raising questions about the effectiveness of local protection mechanisms.
“This heartbreaking incident has shaken us all,” Guyo said in his statement. “It is disheartening that such a painful moment is being misused for political gain.”
In a separate tragedy, popular Isiolo blogger Ismail Abdikadir succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident involving a lorry.
Despite police and eyewitness accounts confirming the incident as a traffic accident, Governor Guyo expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to falsely associate the blogger’s death with his administration.
“Despite clear facts, certain individuals have chosen to politicize his death, unfairly linking it to my administration without a shred of evidence,” he stated, emphasizing the need for factual reporting to prevent further division in the county.
Political Tensions and the Impeachment Fallout
The governor’s remarks come in the wake of a highly contentious political period in Isiolo, marked by a failed attempt to impeach him.
On July 8, 2025, the Senate dismissed an impeachment motion against Governor Guyo, citing procedural flaws and an active court order that had halted the process at the county level.
The motion, initiated by the Isiolo County Assembly, accused Guyo of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct, including allegations of making sexist remarks against Senator Fatuma Dullo and mismanaging county resources.
The dismissal of the impeachment motion, supported by 31 senators against 12, was seen by Guyo as a vindication of his leadership.
“The Senate has reaffirmed that the purported impeachment was procedurally flawed, legally unsound, and entirely without merit,” he said, pledging to refocus his administration on unity and development.
However, the process left deep divisions, with Senator Dullo warning that “Isiolo is bleeding” and alleging that the county’s political and security situation was deteriorating.
Clash with Senator Fatuma Dullo
Governor Guyo reserved sharp criticism for Senator Fatuma Dullo, accusing her of making “irresponsible” and “misleading” remarks during a Senate session.
Dullo had linked the recent spate of violence, including the blogger’s death, to the failed impeachment process, suggesting that the county’s security had been compromised.
She also claimed that she and members of the County Assembly were facing threats, prompting Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to direct the Office of the Clerk to forward her concerns to the Inspector General of Police and County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding for investigation.
In response, Guyo condemned Dullo’s statements as reckless, arguing that they undermined the integrity of Isiolo’s governance and security institutions.
“Linking recent tragedies to the nullified impeachment process and unfairly attacking County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding without any evidence is both reckless and irresponsible,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
He further defended Omoding, describing him as a professional committed to maintaining neutrality and ensuring justice in the county.
County Commissioner’s Call for Neutrality
County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding echoed the governor’s sentiments, cautioning leaders against politicizing security issues.
Speaking after a meeting with Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Banticha Abdullahi on July 11, 2025, Omoding emphasized that security agencies must remain neutral and focus on addressing criminal activities independently of political rivalries.
He dismissed claims that recent incidents, including the blogger’s death, were linked to the assembly chaos, clarifying that Abdikadir’s death was a traffic accident, not a politically motivated attack.
“There was an incident publicized on social media where a person was hit by a vehicle. They said it was by goons. That is not true. We have witnesses,” Omoding stated.
Omoding also warned that criminals were exploiting the ongoing political standoff to commit offenses, urging all parties to prioritize stability and development.
He called on Governor Guyo to take the lead in reconciling with political opponents, a sentiment reinforced by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who advised the governor to mend ties with dissenting legislators and focus on rebuilding trust rather than celebrating the impeachment dismissal.
A Call for Unity and Justice
Governor Guyo acknowledged the growing anxiety among Isiolo residents due to the recent spike in isolated killings. He assured affected families that investigations into these incidents are underway and that those responsible will face justice.
“Isiolo has experienced a rise in isolated cases of killings in recent weeks. These incidents have left families grieving and communities anxious. We stand with every family affected and remain committed to restoring security and peace,” he said.
The governor urged leaders to speak with responsibility and truth, emphasizing the need for unity to heal the county’s wounds.
“The journey ahead continues with greater resolve, renewed purpose, and an unshakable commitment to serve with integrity and dignity,” he declared, pledging to prioritize development projects and service delivery.
A Broader Context of Tensions
The recent tragedies and political disputes in Isiolo are part of a broader context of unrest that has gripped the county since the impeachment process began.
The County Assembly’s attempt to oust Governor Guyo was marred by chaos, including protests, vandalism, and a shooting incident outside the assembly chambers.
Additionally, Guyo’s strained relationship with Senator Dullo has been a focal point of contention, with the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) condemning the governor for misogynistic remarks made against Dullo during a public event in June 2025.
The NGEC labeled the comments as gender-based violence and demanded a public apology, highlighting the deeper issue of sexist rhetoric in public discourse.
As Isiolo grapples with these challenges, the call for unity and restraint has never been more critical.
Governor Guyo’s administration faces the daunting task of restoring calm, addressing security concerns, and rebuilding trust in a county marked by grief and division.
With ongoing investigations and a commitment to justice, residents are hopeful that leadership will rise above political rivalries to deliver the peace and progress they deserve.