Isiolo Governor Guyo Now Hanging on A String As His Impeachment Trial Gets Underway in the Senate With Serious Charges

Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo’s political career hangs in the balance as the Senate commenced a high-stakes impeachment trial on Monday, June 30, 2025, that could determine whether he becomes the latest casualty in Kenya’s devolved governance system.

The embattled county chief now faces seven grave charges that could see him join the ranks of impeached governors including Ferdinand Waititu of Kiambu, Mike Sonko of Nairobi, and Kawira Mwangaza of Meru, all of whom have tested the limits of Kenya’s devolution framework.

Senate Formally Receives Charges

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi officially read out the charges against Governor Guyo during a special sitting, following a resolution passed by the Isiolo County Assembly on June 27, 2025, where 16 out of 18 MCAs voted in favour of the impeachment motion, with two abstaining and none opposing.

The impeachment motion, presented by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, invokes Article 181(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the Constitution, alongside Section 33 of the County Governments Act and Standing Order 83 of the Senate.

The Seven Charges Detailed

Charge 1: Gross Violation of the Constitution and Other Laws

The most comprehensive charge accuses Governor Guyo of multiple constitutional violations. He failed to deliver the Annual State of the County Address for three consecutive years, violating Section 32(k) of the County Governments Act.

Perhaps most damning is the allegation of creating an inflated workforce without legal basis. The governor appointed 36 advisers, 31 chief officers, and two deputy county secretaries in a county that has only six departments, resulting in a wage bill of 46 percent, breaching Articles 201(d) and (e) of the Constitution.

The governor is also accused of creating public offices without involving the County Public Service Board, violating Articles 73, 232, and 235 of the Constitution, and ignoring County Assembly resolutions on debt management. Additionally, a discrepancy of Ksh30 million in bursary funds cannot be accounted for.

Charge 2: Abuse of Office

This charge centers on irregular staffing decisions. Governor Guyo appointed 36 advisers in defiance of a Salaries and Remuneration Commission circular dated July 9, 2013, and similar directives from the Transition Authority.

Despite the county service staff establishment allowing for 18 chief officers, Governor Guyo appointed 31, while also placing them on two-year contracts, creating a “climate of fear and uncertainty”. He also failed to renew contracts for County Executive Committee members, significantly affecting service delivery continuity.

Charge 3: Gross Misconduct

This charge addresses ethical violations under the Leadership and Integrity Act and the Public Officer Ethics Act. Governor Guyo made public statements against Senator Fatuma Adan of Isiolo, which were considered disrespectful and sexist, amounting to gender-based psychological violence and breaching Articles 10 and 28 of the Constitution.

He is also accused of making divisive, derogatory, and discriminatory remarks against other clans in the county, sowing discord in the community. Furthermore, he absented himself from the county for extended periods, choosing instead to run county affairs remotely from Nairobi, stalling service delivery.

Charges 4-7: Systemic Failures

The remaining charges focus on incompetence in managing county affairs, misappropriation of funds particularly regarding the Ksh30 million bursary discrepancy, undermining county institutions through repeated disregard for County Assembly resolutions, and improper conduct in appointments including creating non-existent positions like deputy county secretaries.

Legal Drama and Court Intervention

The impeachment process has been marked by legal battles and dramatic twists. The High Court in Meru ruled on Friday that the impeachment was null and void, creating confusion as the Senate proceeded with the special sitting despite the court declaring the process unlawful.

Governor Guyo’s impeachment comes amid ongoing legal battles, with a court order having tried to block the County Assembly from debating the motion, prompting the Assembly to move proceedings to Nakuru and later to Machakos.

The Road Ahead

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi indicated the House will either form an 11-member committee to investigate the matter or proceed with a full hearing in plenary, with the Governor having a chance to defend himself or appoint a lawyer to do so.

The stakes could not be higher for Governor Guyo. If the Senate upholds any of the charges, Governor Guyo will be removed from office immediately. If the charges are dismissed, he will stay in office, and the Assembly will have to wait three months before bringing another impeachment motion.

Historical Context

This impeachment trial represents another critical test of Kenya’s devolved system of governance. The case has drawn national attention as it mirrors past high-profile impeachments that have shaped the boundaries of gubernatorial power and accountability in Kenya’s county governments.

Governor Guyo did not attend the County Assembly session to defend himself, despite being invited, raising questions about his strategy for the Senate proceedings.

As the Senate prepares to deliberate on these grave allegations, Governor Guyo’s political future hangs in the balance, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the future of devolved governance in Kenya and the accountability mechanisms designed to check the power of county executives.

The trial continues as Kenya watches to see whether the Senate will uphold the constitutional principles of good governance or provide Governor Guyo with a political lifeline in what has become one of the most closely watched impeachment proceedings in recent memory.