Isiolo, Kenya| In a powerful display of leadership, brotherhood, and communal solidarity, Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo abruptly ended his official trip to Germany to rush back home and mourn with the bereaved family of the late Hon. Mohamed Tubi Bidu, the esteemed Member of Parliament for Isiolo South Constituency who passed away on November 12, 2025.
The governor’s heartfelt homecoming underscored the deep bonds that transcend politics in Isiolo County, as he joined family members, clan elders, and community leaders in a poignant moment of shared grief and reflection on the indelible legacy of one of the region’s most revered statesmen.
A Sudden Loss That Shook Isiolo and the Nation
The late Tubi succumbed to illness while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital, as announced by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
A first-term MP elected in 2022 on a Jubilee Party ticket, Tubi was a towering figure in Kenyan public service, renowned for his humility, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and community empowerment.
Born and raised in Isiolo, Tubi attended Isiolo Secondary School before pursuing advanced studies, including a Diploma in Wildlife Management from Tanzania’s College of African Wildlife Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development from Gretsa University.
His early career as a Chief Game Warden in iconic reserves like Maasai Mara, Samburu, and Isiolo parks spanned two decades, shaping his passion for environmental stewardship.
In politics, Tubi made history as the inaugural Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly from 2013 to 2017, laying the foundational legislative framework for devolution in the county.
As MP, he served on key parliamentary committees, including Environment, Forestry and Mining, and Public Petitions, championing issues like insecurity, education access for underprivileged children, and sustainable development in the arid northern frontier.
Tributes poured in from across Kenya, with leaders hailing him as a “dedicated public servant,” “passionate advocate for education,” and a leader whose “humility and service touched countless lives.”
An Emotional Reunion Rooted in Brotherhood
Upon landing back in Kenya, Governor Guyo made a beeline for the late MP’s family home in Isiolo, where he was warmly received not as a high-ranking official, but as a grieving brother.
Welcoming him were prominent family elders and senior clan leaders, including former BCE chair Hajj Abdullahi Gonjobe, who embodied the Borana, Sakuye, and other communities’ traditions of unity.
In an atmosphere thick with emotion, Governor Guyo offered warm condolences, extolling Tubi’s “towering legacy” as a pioneer of devolution, a champion of education who “opened doors for countless poor children,” and a humble servant whose influence permeated Isiolo’s political and social landscape.
“Hon. Tubi was more than a colleague; he was a distinguished elder whose footprints are eternally etched in our soil,” the governor reflected.
The visit highlighted Isiolo’s enduring cultural ethos: in times of profound loss, political divides dissolve, and the community stands as one family.
Backing a Dignified Succession: Support for Tubi Junior
A key highlight of the governor’s visit was his unequivocal endorsement of Tubi Mohamed Tubi – popularly known as Tubi Junior – the late MP’s eldest son, who has been unanimously selected by clan elders and family to contest the impending by-election for the Isiolo South seat.
Describing it as a “dignified continuation of a noble legacy,” Governor Guyo pledged full support for the 36-year-old businessman and Zetech University graduate.
Tubi Junior, a father of two based in Isiolo and Nairobi, was recently “crowned” in a traditional ceremony, donning elder attire as a symbol of community trust.
In response, Tubi Junior expressed profound gratitude to the governor for his swift return and unwavering solidarity, even from abroad.
“This gesture from Governor Guyo, standing with us in our darkest hour, is one we will never forget,” he said. Once in office, Tubi Junior vowed to collaborate closely with the county leadership, honoring his father’s path of unity, service, and inclusive development.
Elders at the gathering praised the governor’s actions as a “testament to true leadership,” reiterating: “When loss strikes, we rise above politics and unite as one family.”
This consensus mirrors a growing trend in Kenyan politics, where communities rally behind family members to preserve hard-earned legacies.
A Reaffirmation of Isiolo’s Resilient Spirit
Governor Guyo’s emotional visit transcended mere protocol; it was a profound reaffirmation of Isiolo’s cultural resilience and communal harmony.
In a county often marked by pastoralist challenges, resource conflicts, and political dynamism, moments like these remind residents of their shared strength.
As Isiolo mourns a giant, the seamless backing for Tubi Junior signals continuity and hope. The upcoming by-election will not only fill a parliamentary void but also honor a legacy of service that lifted dreams, protected wildlife, and bridged divides.
The people of Isiolo South and beyond continue to pray for the late Hon. Tubi Bidu’s family, finding solace in his enduring impact. In the words echoed by elders: true leaders never truly depart – their footprints guide the way forward.
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