The situation in Isiolo County is growing more serious as attempts to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo take a dark turn. What started as a political disagreement is now surrounded by fear, threats, and even violence.
Leaders pushing for his removal are now facing danger instead of dialogue. Claims have emerged that those who want the governor out are being threatened, attacked, and even abducted.
A former county official who supported the impeachment process was reportedly kidnapped, badly beaten, and later found abandoned in Ruiru with serious injuries.
He is now recovering in a Nairobi hospital.Over the weekend, sixteen out of eighteen members of the Isiolo County Assembly visited the hospital to check on him.
They believe the attack was meant to send a message to all those who are standing up against the governor. One of the MCAs explained that the victim was found far from Ruai and was thought to be dead by his attackers. Fortunately, he survived but suffered several broken bones.
The lawmakers say the environment in Isiolo has become dangerous for them and that their lives are at risk just for doing their jobs.
Rehema Jaldessa, the chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission, condemned the violence and intimidation. She strongly criticized what she described as “goonism” and said such acts have no place in a democratic country. Meanwhile, some MCAs have been forced to go into hiding.
They claim that armed men have been trailing them across towns and highways, chasing them even at night. One of them, Nicholas Lorot from Burat Ward, shared how they had to escape all the way to Iten in Uasin Gishu County, saying they were followed from one place to another just to stay alive.
He condemned the attack on their colleague and said what is happening is completely unacceptable.The MCA from Sericho Ward, known as Godana, who is also the one sponsoring the impeachment motion, said he cannot even use his phone and is always on the move, fearing for his life.
He compared their current situation to that of people running away from war, saying they are always in fear of being tracked and harmed.
The MCAs blame the governor for mismanaging public funds and poor leadership, saying that the county has suffered under his rule for three years. They believe that the time has come to end his leadership and bring change to the people of Isiolo.
Despite all the fear and threats, they remain determined to push ahead with their plan to remove Governor Guyo from office. They say they are ready to face the risks because the county deserves better leadership.
