Nairobi, Kenya| In a fiery press briefing held in Nairobi on July 21, 2025, a coalition of prominent Isiolo leaders, led by former Governor Godana Doyo, County Assembly Speaker Abdullahi Banticha, Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, former Isiolo South MP Abdi Koropu, and Development Consultant Dr. Abduba Molu Ido, raised serious concerns over what they described as escalating external interference in Isiolo County’s political affairs.
The leaders accused neighboring county leaders, specifically Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali and United Democratic Movement (UDM) party leader and Mandera Senator Ali Roba, of orchestrating efforts to destabilize Isiolo’s leadership structures, particularly through a failed attempt to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo.
The leaders called on national security agencies and the government to launch an immediate investigation into these alleged external influences, warning that such actions threaten the peace and unity of Isiolo’s cosmopolitan communities.
They also addressed growing insecurity in the county and dismissed claims by a faction of local leaders who, on Sunday, threatened to align with the opposition Wamunyoro faction, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, if President William Ruto fails to act.
Allegations of External Meddling in Isiolo Politics
At the heart of the leaders’ grievances is what they term as a deliberate attempt by Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali and Mandera Senator Ali Roba to undermine Isiolo’s political stability.
Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya accused the two leaders of pushing for the impeachment of Governor Guyo, questioning their motives and interests in Isiolo’s internal affairs.
“There is external interference from other county leaders — specifically Marsabit Governor and UDM Party Leader, Senator Ali Roba — who are pushing for the impeachment of our Governor,” Bonaya stated.
“We don’t understand what interest they have in Isiolo. If the impeachment has failed, then it has failed. If you want to initiate another one, follow the proper procedure — but don’t pit communities against each other.” Bonaya emphasized the need for due process and warned against inciting divisions among Isiolo’s diverse communities.
“We cannot allow leaders from other counties to come and incite divisions among the people of Isiolo,” echoed Dr. Abduba Molu Ido, a respected development consultant, who underscored the county’s commitment to maintaining peace and cohesion.
Failed Impeachment and Alleged Political Sabotage
The leaders’ press briefing comes in the wake of a failed attempt to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo, an effort they claim was fueled by external actors seeking to destabilize Isiolo’s devolved governance.
They accused certain leaders, including Senator Fatuma Dullo, of exploiting their positions to undermine the county’s leadership for personal political gain. Former Isiolo South MP Abdi Koropu was particularly vocal, criticizing Senator Dullo for allegedly using her position in the Senate to tarnish Isiolo’s national standing and settle political scores.
“It is said that a poor workman blames his tools,” Koropu remarked, accusing a faction of Isiolo leaders of targeting prominent national figures, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Barre Duale, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, Justice Warsame, and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
“These people cannot respect anyone — they have even targeted the President,” he added. Koropu urged the Senate to rein in Senator Dullo, calling on her to focus on addressing the challenges facing Isiolo residents, such as insecurity, rather than undermining the county’s devolution efforts.
Koropu also highlighted the county’s adherence to legal processes, noting that Isiolo leaders have consistently sought judicial recourse in response to political disputes, including the unlawful suspension of the County Assembly Clerk by the former Speaker.
“We have gone to the courts of law, and courts have issued conservatory orders. If they want people to follow the law, let them respect those orders,” he asserted.
Reaffirming Support for President Ruto and Regional Unity
The leaders also addressed recent claims by a section of Isiolo leaders who threatened to join the Wamunyoro faction, an opposition group led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, if President Ruto fails to address the county’s challenges.
County Assembly Speaker Abdullahi Banticha dismissed these threats as the actions of individuals who do not represent the broader Isiolo community or the Upper Eastern region.
“Those who want to join Wamunyoro are acting as individuals — they do not represent the rest of us,” Banticha declared. “Other leaders and I are firmly behind President William Ruto. Our region is Upper Eastern, not Mt. Kenya as some people are claiming.”
He highlighted the unity of Upper Eastern leaders, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, Marsabit Senator, and MPs from Saku and Moyale, as well as the former Governor of Tana River, in supporting the President’s agenda.
The leaders emphasized Isiolo’s cosmopolitan nature and its commitment to peace and unity. “As Isiolo people, we want to assure the nation that we live cohesively, we are very peaceful people,” Koropu stated. “Isiolo is being tainted by people from Marsabit and Mandera, and we are asking them to desist from that.”
Call for Investigation and Action
The Isiolo leaders urged national security agencies to investigate the alleged external interference and take decisive action to safeguard the county’s political space.
They expressed concern over rising insecurity in Isiolo, which they believe is being exacerbated by external actors seeking to sow discord. “We are law-abiding citizens,” Koropu reiterated, calling for an end to actions that undermine Isiolo’s leadership and national standing.
The leaders also issued a public apology to national figures they believe have been unfairly targeted by the faction allegedly influenced by Marsabit and Mandera leaders.
“On behalf of Isiolo people, I wish to apologize to our leaders Aden Barre Duale, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, our County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, Justice Warsame, and Chief Justice Martha Koome,” Koropu said.
A Unified Stand for Isiolo’s Future
The press briefing underscored Isiolo’s resolve to protect its political autonomy and foster unity among its diverse communities. The leaders’ call for an investigation into external interference signals a broader effort to shield the county from destabilizing forces and ensure that its devolved governance remains intact.
As Isiolo navigates these challenges, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working with President Ruto’s administration to address insecurity, improve livelihoods, and uphold the rule of law.
For now, the people of Isiolo await the government’s response to their plea for intervention, hoping to restore peace and stability in a county known for its rich cultural diversity and resilience. As the situation unfolds, the nation watches closely, with Isiolo’s leaders standing firm against external forces threatening their county’s unity and progress.
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