In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Isiolo County’s political landscape, a key insider from the camp of former Speaker Mohammed Roba Qoto (MRQ) has defected, revealing explosive details about a meticulously orchestrated but ultimately unsuccessful plot to unseat Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Guyo.
The defector, influential blogger Shukri Godana—known by aliases such as Aba Tayya and Abu Ameer—has switched allegiance to Governor Guyo’s camp, exposing a politically motivated scheme led by high-ranking officials of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) party.
This revelation has not only dealt a significant blow to MRQ and his backers but also solidified Governor Guyo’s stature as a formidable political force in both regional and national arenas.
A Shocking Defection and Revelations
Shukri Godana, a prominent figure in Isiolo’s media scene and CEO of Arid Times Media, made these startling disclosures during a two-hour appearance on Nagaa Radio’s prime-time show, hosted by Adan Abdullahi, known as Adesh Nagaa.
Godana, who was once a vocal supporter of the impeachment motion against Governor Guyo and a former Sericho MCA aspirant, confessed that the impeachment was not rooted in any governance failures but was instead a calculated power grab.
He explicitly named Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali (Abshiro), UDM’s deputy party leader, and Mandera Senator Ali Roba, the party leader, as the masterminds behind the plot.
“This was never about leadership failure. It was a dishonest attempt at regime change in Isiolo, orchestrated by external forces using MRQ as a pawn,” Godana stated.
He described the impeachment as a “witch-hunt” backed by substantial financial resources, aimed at unconstitutionally ousting a democratically elected leader.
Despite the UDM’s head start and significant investments, Governor Guyo outmaneuvered his opponents, emerging stronger and cementing his reputation as a political juggernaut.
“You can imagine Governor Guyo beat the entire UDM establishment despite their meticulously planned scheme. This loss has rattled the top honchos who bankrolled the plan,” Godana added.
The Speaker Controversy: Banticha Reinstated
One of the most contentious issues in Isiolo’s recent political saga has been the question of the legitimate Speaker of the County Assembly. During the Nagaa Radio interview, Godana addressed this directly, confirming Abdullahi Banticha as the current substantive Speaker.
This statement aligns with a recent court ruling that restored Banticha to his position, overturning an earlier degazettement by Salad Boru, a move widely seen as part of the UDM’s strategy to destabilize the county’s leadership.
Godana’s acknowledgment of Banticha’s legitimacy has added clarity to a dispute that has fueled tensions in Isiolo, further undermining MRQ’s claims to the speakership.
The court’s decision and Godana’s public endorsement of Banticha signal a turning point, reinforcing the rule of law and restoring stability to the County Assembly.
A Failed Coup and Its Fallout
According to Godana, the impeachment plot was driven by influential UDM sponsors with vested interests in destabilizing Isiolo for their own political gain.
The scheme, now widely referred to as a “coup attempt,” sought to exploit internal divisions within the County Assembly to remove Governor Guyo.
However, the plan backfired spectacularly, with Guyo not only surviving the impeachment but also gaining widespread support for his resilience and strategic acumen.
The defection of Godana, a key player in the media campaign supporting the impeachment, has exposed the inner workings of the UDM’s failed strategy. His revelations have sparked outrage among Isiolo residents, who view the plot as an assault on their democratic will.
“The people of Isiolo elected Governor Guyo, and this attempt to undermine their choice was an attack on our sovereignty,” said a local resident during a recent public forum.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
The fallout from the failed impeachment has intensified calls for accountability, particularly targeting former Speaker Mohammed Roba Qoto.
Godana’s exposé has painted MRQ as a central figure in the destabilization efforts, accusing him of aligning with divisive forces from regions plagued by inter-clan conflicts.
Reports of violent incidents, including injuries and shootings during the height of the impeachment saga, have been linked to the chaos under MRQ’s leadership.
“When MRQ took the oath of office, he promised to serve Isiolo with integrity. Instead, he became a tool for external interests, causing unprecedented disruption,” Godana remarked.
He urged MRQ to issue a public apology to the people of Isiolo and Governor Guyo for his role in the crisis. Furthermore, Godana called on law enforcement to investigate MRQ’s actions and hold him accountable for the damage caused to the county’s stability with regards to the violence witnessed during the impeachment saga.
Critics argue that MRQ’s political ambitions in Isiolo may be irreparably damaged.
“If he wishes to continue in politics, he should look to his sponsors’ counties. Isiolo is ready to move forward without him,” Godana declared, echoing a sentiment shared by many residents.
Governor Guyo: The Regional Powerhouse
Amid the political turmoil, Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan has emerged as a unifying figure and a beacon of hope for Isiolo’s future.
Godana praised Guyo’s leadership, dubbing him the “Regional Governor”—a title traditionally associated with Marsabit Governor Abshiro but increasingly attributed to Guyo due to his growing popularity, particularly among the youth.
“Governor Guyo has shown he is a stellar political strategist, capable of navigating even the most treacherous challenges,” Godana said.
Under Guyo’s leadership, Isiolo County has weathered the storm of the impeachment saga, with residents now rallying behind him and the newly reinstated Speaker Banticha. The duo is seen as pivotal to ushering in a new era of peace, unity, and progress for the county.
A New Chapter for Isiolo
As the dust settles on this turbulent chapter, Isiolo’s residents are looking to the future with renewed optimism.
The failure of the UDM’s coup attempt and the restoration of Banticha as Speaker have paved the way for reconciliation and governance focused on the public good.
Godana’s public apology to the people of Isiolo and Governor Guyo has set a tone of accountability and healing, urging all stakeholders to put aside personal interests and work together for the county’s development.
“We call upon the members of the County Assembly to rally behind Governor Guyo and Speaker Banticha. Let us close the chapter on division and embrace a future of progress,” Godana concluded during his radio appearance.
What Next?
The defection of Shukri Godana and his explosive revelations have exposed the underbelly of a failed political conspiracy in Isiolo County.
By unveiling the truth behind the impeachment plot, Godana has not only dealt a blow to MRQ and his UDM backers but also reinforced Governor Guyo’s position as a resilient and visionary leader.
As Isiolo moves forward under the leadership of Guyo and Banticha, the county stands poised to overcome its challenges and chart a path toward prosperity. For now, the message is clear: the people’s will cannot be undermined, and justice will prevail.
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