Isiolo, Kenya| Isiolo County Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo led vibrant Madaraka Day celebrations in Oldonyiro Ward, joined by key county and National leaders, including Speaker of the County Assembly Mohamed Roba Qoto, Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, and various Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), led by host MCA David Lemantile.
The event, held under the national theme “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs for Accelerated Socio-Economic Development,” underscored the importance of inclusive growth and equitable development, particularly in arid and underserved regions like Oldonyiro.
A Commitment to Inclusive Development
Governor Guyo used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable development across all parts of Isiolo County.
Speaking to a large gathering of residents, county officials, and dignitaries, including the Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding and former Governor Godana Doyo, he emphasized the significance of hosting such a pivotal national celebration in Oldonyiro, a region historically marginalized in terms of infrastructure and services.
“Today’s Madaraka Day celebration in Oldonyiro is a powerful symbol of our dedication to ensuring no part of Isiolo is left behind,” Governor Guyo declared. “This event is a testament to our collective resolve to transform lives and build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous county.”
The Governor highlighted key milestones achieved by his administration over the past two and a half years, including improvements in water access, peace-building initiatives, and resilience programs tailored to the unique challenges of arid areas.
He stressed that these efforts align with the spirit of Madaraka Day, which commemorates Kenya’s journey toward self-governance and the shared responsibility to uplift all citizens.
Addressing Land Controversy and Political Tensions
The celebrations also provided a platform for Governor Guyo to address a contentious issue surrounding the newly established Oldonyiro Sub-county.
He firmly dismissed allegations, primarily propagated by Senator Fatuma Dullo, that the sub-county’s creation would lead to land being taken from residents of neighboring Burat Ward.
Describing the claims as “false and politically motivated,” the Governor accused the Senator of using land issues to sow division and confusion among Isiolo’s communities.
“There is no land conflict between the people of Oldonyiro and Burat. They are one people — brothers and sisters,” Guyo asserted. “The narrative that land will be grabbed is pure political propaganda meant to create fear and incite people.”
He clarified that the establishment of the Oldonyiro Sub-county is solely for administrative and developmental purposes, aimed at bringing essential services closer to residents.
“This is about development, not division,” he said. “The Sub-county will ensure better access to government services, not alter land ownership or boundaries.”
Governor Guyo also revealed that he had recently met with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to discuss the progress of the new sub-county.
According to the Governor, the CS confirmed that the sub-county would be officially launched once its administrative offices are fully constructed and operational, further underscoring the government’s commitment to its success.
A Call for Unity Amid Political Rivalries
The Governor’s remarks highlighted a deepening political rift between Isiolo’s top leaders, with tensions rising over issues of development, representation, and public trust.
In a direct appeal to Senator Dullo, Guyo urged her to “stop the politics of dividing people” and focus on collaborative efforts to advance the county’s development agenda. “Let leaders stop misleading residents for political gain,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity to achieve meaningful progress.
As Isiolo edges closer to the next electoral cycle, the war of words between Governor Guyo and Senator Dullo reflects broader political dynamics in the region.
However, Guyo’s message during the Madaraka Day celebrations was clear: his administration remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to all residents, regardless of political differences.
A Vision for Isiolo’s Future
The choice of Oldonyiro as the venue for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations carries significant symbolic weight. As one of Isiolo’s most underserved wards, Oldonyiro represents the challenges and opportunities of devolution in Kenya’s arid regions.
Governor Guyo’s decision to host the event there underscores his administration’s priority to address historical inequities and ensure that remote areas benefit from devolved governance.
In his speech, the Governor outlined his vision for a prosperous Isiolo, emphasizing investments in critical areas such as water access, peacebuilding, and economic resilience.
“The journey toward self-governance that we celebrate today places a responsibility on all of us to ensure every resident, regardless of location, experiences the fruits of devolution,” he said.
Community Engagement and Leadership Presence
The Madaraka Day event in Oldonyiro saw robust participation from county leaders and residents, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for development initiatives.
The presence of Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto, Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, and MCA David Lemantile, alongside other county executives and officials, highlighted the collaborative spirit of Isiolo’s leadership in advancing the county’s development agenda.
Residents of Oldonyiro expressed optimism about the establishment of the new sub-county, viewing it as a step toward improved access to government services, healthcare, and education.
The Governor’s assurances regarding land ownership further alleviated concerns, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among attendees.
Looking Ahead
As Isiolo County continues its journey toward inclusive growth and development, Governor Guyo’s leadership during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Oldonyiro serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of devolution when guided by a commitment to equity and unity.
By addressing contentious issues head-on and rallying residents around a shared vision, Guyo has positioned himself as a leader dedicated to bridging divides and delivering results for all of Isiolo’s communities.
With the official launch of the Oldonyiro Sub-county on the horizon, the county stands at a pivotal moment in its development trajectory.
As Governor Guyo and his administration work to operationalize this new administrative unit, the focus remains on ensuring that the benefits of devolution reach every corner of Isiolo, fulfilling the promise of Madaraka Day for generations to come.
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