In the heart of Kenya’s northern frontier, Isiolo County stands as a crucible of resilience, a land where the dreams of its people are woven into the fabric of its arid landscapes.
Yet, recent events have cast a shadow over this promise, with political machinations threatening to unravel the delicate threads of progress.
The failed impeachment attempt against Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo and the judicial affirmation of Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha as the substantive Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly mark a pivotal moment—a clarion call for unity, reconciliation, and an unwavering commitment to development.
This is not merely a victory for two leaders; it is a triumph for the rule of law, the sanctity of governance, and the indomitable spirit of Isiolo’s people.
A Tempest Quelled: The Failed Impeachment of Governor Guyo
The recent attempt to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo was a storm that sought to destabilize the very foundations of Isiolo’s governance.
On June 26, 2025, 16 out of 18 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted to oust the governor, citing allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and constitutional violations.
The motion, spearheaded by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, accused Guyo of stalling development projects, mismanaging resources, and fostering a climate of fear within the county’s executive.
Yet, this tempest was marred by chaos—reports of vandalism, teargas, and gunfire outside the assembly chambers painted a grim picture of a process tainted by disorder and procedural flaws.
The Senate, in its wisdom, delivered a resounding verdict on July 8, 2025, dismissing the impeachment charges on technical grounds.
Led by a formidable legal team, including former Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri, Governor Guyo exposed the impeachment as a “phantom” exercise riddled with irregularities.
The Senate, with 31 elected senators voting to uphold preliminary objections, affirmed that the Isiolo County Assembly had failed to conduct a valid impeachment process, ignoring a High Court order that declared the proceedings null and void.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s admonition to Governor Guyo was not one of condemnation but of counsel: this was not a victory to be celebrated with chest-thumping but a second chance to mend political fractures and prioritize reconciliation.
Governor Guyo, a leader whose vision for Isiolo burns bright, has seized this opportunity with grace. Following the Senate’s ruling, he extended an olive branch to his detractors, meeting with seven of the 16 MCAs who supported his impeachment to chart a path toward unity.
His words resonate with the philosophy of ubuntu—the belief that “I am because we are.” By prioritizing dialogue over division, Guyo embodies the Aristotelian ideal of a leader who governs not for personal glory but for the common good.
His commitment to healing Isiolo’s political wounds and refocusing on development signals a new dawn for the county.
The Speaker’s Triumph: Banticha’s Legal Victory
Parallel to Governor Guyo’s reprieve, the saga of Speaker Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha unfolds as a testament to the judiciary’s role as a bulwark against political overreach.
Banticha, recently gazetted as Speaker, faced a swift attempt to unseat him when Assembly Clerk Salad Guracha published a notice on July 14, 2025, revoking his appointment.
This move, steeped in controversy, was challenged by Banticha in the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi.
Justice Hellen Wasilwa, in a ruling on July 15, 2025, issued conservatory orders barring any attempt to degazette or remove Banticha, a decision extended on July 17, 2025, pending a full hearing.
The court’s intervention underscored the principle of stare decisis—the sanctity of legal precedent—and affirmed Banticha’s rightful place as the substantive Speaker.
The Attorney General’s attempt to strike out Banticha’s petition as “premature, political, and legally defective” was a fleeting challenge, overshadowed by the court’s resolute defense of due process.
Senator Fatuma Dullo’s claim that Banticha was elected by only two MCAs raised ethical questions, yet the judiciary’s ruling silenced such critiques, affirming that legitimacy is not derived from political maneuvering but from adherence to the law.
Banticha’s triumph is not merely personal; it is a victory for the rule of law, a beacon of hope in a county besieged by factionalism.
Legal and Philosophical Reflections: The Rule of Law as a Guiding Star
From a legal perspective, the events in Isiolo illuminate the delicate balance between power and justice. The impeachment process, governed by Kenya’s Constitution and the County Governments Act, demands strict adherence to procedural integrity.
The Senate’s dismissal of Governor Guyo’s impeachment, bolstered by the High Court’s ruling in Meru on June 25, 2025, underscores the principle of nullum crimen sine lege—no crime without law.
The assembly’s failure to respect court orders and its reliance on a defective Hansard rendered the impeachment a legal nullity, a cautionary tale against the perils of political hubris.
Philosophically, the saga evokes Plato’s Republic, where justice is the harmony of the soul and the state.
Governor Guyo and Speaker Banticha, as stewards of Isiolo’s destiny, embody the Platonic ideal of leaders who strive for eudaimonia—the flourishing of the community. Their resilience in the face of adversity mirrors the Stoic virtue of fortitude, a refusal to be swayed by the tempests of political intrigue.
Yet, their call for unity transcends mere philosophy; it is a poetic invocation of a shared dream, a county where every resident’s voice is heard, and every life is touched by progress.
A Vision for Isiolo: Development Over Discord
Isiolo’s challenges are not merely political; they are existential. The county grapples with stalled projects, revenue shortfalls, and a recent spike in insecurity, including the tragic Bulapesa fire that claimed the lives of Halima Warri and her four children.
Governor Guyo’s response—condemning the politicization of such tragedies and assuring residents of ongoing investigations—reflects a leader attuned to the needs of his people.
His collaboration with County Commissioner Omoding and Speaker Banticha to address security concerns signals a commitment to restoring peace and stability.
Under Guyo’s leadership, Isiolo has seen strides in infrastructure and service delivery, despite the constraints of limited national revenue allocations.
His administration’s focus on inclusive governance—evidenced by his engagement with the World Bank, the North Eastern Development Initiative, and KeNHA—lays the groundwork for transformative development.
Speaker Banticha, with his steady hand at the helm of the County Assembly, ensures that legislative processes align with this vision, fostering accountability and transparency. Together, they form a leadership tandem poised to elevate Isiolo beyond the shadows of division.
A Call to Unity: Isiolo’s Bright Horizon
The people of Isiolo stand at a crossroads. The failed impeachment and Banticha’s judicial vindication are not endpoints but beginnings—a chance to rewrite the county’s narrative.
As Senate Speaker Amason Kingi aptly noted, this is a moment for reconciliation, not revelry.
Governor Guyo’s outreach to dissenting MCAs and Banticha’s commitment to legislative stability are steps toward a Kantian categorical imperative—acting in ways that serve as a universal model for governance.
Isiolo is more than the sum of its conflicts; it is a tapestry of cultures, dreams, and aspirations. To the residents of this vibrant county, the message is clear: rally behind your leaders, not out of blind loyalty but out of a shared commitment to progress.
Let the courts resolve disputes, as they have done with Banticha’s speakership, and let the assembly and executive work in harmony to deliver on the promise of devolution.
The path forward is not without challenges, but with Governor Guyo and Speaker Banticha at the forefront, Isiolo is poised to rise above division, to soar like an eagle over the arid plains, toward a future where unity and development reign supreme.
In this moment, Isiolo is not just a county—it is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring promise of a better tomorrow. Let us, as one, embrace this vision and build an Isiolo that shines for all its people.
Disclaimer| The views and opinions expressed in this article are author’s very own.
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