In a pivotal move underscoring resilience and renewed focus on governance, Isiolo County Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo has successfully steered three key nominees through the vetting process, with the County Assembly granting its approval on September 17, 2025.
This development comes just months after the governor weathered a high-stakes impeachment battle, marking a significant step toward stabilizing his administration and accelerating service delivery in one of Kenya’s most dynamic northern counties.
Governor Guyo, a seasoned politician whose full name is Abdi Ibrahim Hassan but is popularly known as Guyo, submitted the nominees on September 9, 2025, aiming to fill critical gaps in his County Executive Committee (CEC).
The appointments, approved pursuant to Article 179(2)(b) of the Kenyan Constitution of 2010 and Section 35 of the County Governments Act, 2012, reflect a strategic effort to bolster sectors vital to Isiolo’s development amid ongoing challenges like climate change, infrastructure deficits, and economic planning.
The County Assembly’s Committee on Selection and Appointments conducted thorough vetting sessions, including public hearings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., ensuring transparency and public participation in the process.
Governor Guyo’s Turbulent Journey: From Impeachment Survival to Cabinet Revamp
Governor Guyo’s path to this milestone has been anything but smooth. Elected as Isiolo’s leader after a notable stint as Nairobi County’s Majority Leader, he has navigated the complexities of governing a county characterized by its vast arid landscapes, diverse pastoralist communities, and strategic position as a gateway to northern Kenya.
In June 2025, the Isiolo County Assembly impeached him on grounds including gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of various laws—a move that thrust the county into national headlines.
However, appearing before the Senate in July, Guyo mounted a robust defense, pleading not guilty to all charges and ultimately securing a reprieve when the upper house voted to terminate the proceedings.
This survival not only preserved his tenure but also allowed him to “mend fences” with political rivals, as local leaders rallied in his defense, emphasizing unity for the county’s progress.
Post-impeachment, Guyo has prioritized drought mitigation and development projects, suspending non-essential initiatives to address immediate humanitarian needs in a region prone to climate-induced hardships.
The new CEC appointments are seen as a cornerstone of this recovery strategy, completing a six-member cabinet designed to drive efficiency and accountability.
Analysts view this as a calculated pivot for Governor Guyo, who has faced accusations of financial impropriety in the past—claims he has vehemently denied, asserting no money exchanged hands in alleged dealings.
By nominating experts in finance, infrastructure, and environmental management, he aims to rebuild public trust and tackle pressing issues like water scarcity, land disputes, and sustainable energy in Isiolo, a county rich in natural resources but challenged by environmental degradation and mining conflicts.
Meet the New CEC Members: Profiles and Portfolios
The approved nominees bring a mix of professional expertise and local insight to their roles, each poised to address specific developmental bottlenecks in Isiolo:
- Luqman A. Abdi – County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning
A graduate of Multimedia University of Kenya, Luqman Ahmed Abdi (often referred to as Luqman Abdi) is a Nairobi-based professional with a background in education and potential ties to strategic planning. His appointment to oversee finance comes at a critical juncture, where Isiolo grapples with budget constraints exacerbated by drought and infrastructure needs. Abdi’s role will involve crafting economic policies that promote fiscal responsibility, attract investments, and ensure equitable resource allocation across the county’s diverse communities. Experts anticipate his fresh perspective could introduce innovative financial models, such as public-private partnerships, to fund essential projects. - Hussein Jirmo Katelo – County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Transport, Public Works, Housing, Urban Development, Urban Planning, and Municipal Services
With experience linked to pastoralist support programs, Hussein Jirmo Katelo is well-versed in the intricacies of land management in arid regions. This expansive portfolio addresses Isiolo’s core challenges, including road networks vital for trade, housing shortages in growing urban centers like Isiolo Town, and urban planning to accommodate population influxes from neighboring counties. Katelo’s nomination aligns with ongoing efforts to resolve land conflicts among clans and enhance transport links, which are crucial for economic integration with the rest of Kenya. - Guracha Kikuyu Sarite – County Executive Committee Member for Water, Energy, Environment, Climate Change, Mining, and Natural Resources
Guracha Kikuyu Sarite steps into a role central to Isiolo’s sustainability agenda, focusing on water security, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. In a county where climate change amplifies droughts and resource scarcity, Sarite’s mandate includes overseeing mining regulations—Isiolo boasts untapped mineral wealth—and promoting green initiatives like solar energy projects. His appointment is timely, given recommendations from past reports urging strategic planning for water and energy to build resilience against climate impacts.
These selections underscore Governor Guyo’s commitment to merit-based governance, drawing from local talent to foster inclusive development.
Broader Implications: Transparency, Service Delivery, and Future Outlook
The County Assembly’s resolution not only greenlights these appointments but also reaffirms its dedication to transparent governance, as highlighted in official statements.
By upholding constitutional mandates, the assembly ensures that executive roles are filled by vetted individuals capable of delivering essential services, from healthcare access in remote areas to economic empowerment for youth and women.
For Isiolo residents, this cabinet refresh promises tangible benefits: improved infrastructure to boost trade along the LAPSSET corridor, enhanced environmental protections against overgrazing and deforestation, and robust financial oversight to prevent mismanagement.
Governor Guyo, now fortified by this team, is positioned to lead the county toward prosperity, mending post-impeachment divides and focusing on long-term goals like climate adaptation and resource equity.
As Isiolo moves forward under Governor Guyo’s stewardship, this approval serves as a testament to democratic resilience in Kenya’s devolved system, where accountability and progress go hand in hand.
Stakeholders will be watching closely as the new CEC members assume their duties, hopeful for a chapter of stability and growth in this vibrant frontier county.
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