Isiolo Governor Guyo dismisses impeachment as illegal and unconstitutional

Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo. /FILE

Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo has denied reports that he has been impeached by the county assembly.

Guyo called the alleged ouster a “null and void” process that failed to meet constitutional and legal standards.

The response follows reports that 16 out of 18 members of the Isiolo county assembly (MCAs) voted in a closed-door session on Thursday to remove the first-term governor from office.

The impeachment motion, tabled by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, cited gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of the constitution and various laws as grounds for removal.

However, in a strongly-worded statement, the office of the governor declared that “no lawful impeachment has taken place” and accused the county assembly of bypassing proper procedure.

“Contrary to misinformation being circulated through various channels, the alleged impeachment process failed to adhere to the constitutional and procedural requirements as set out under Kenyan law,” the statement read.

The governor’s office argued that the assembly neither convened properly nor tabled a substantive impeachment motion in accordance with standing legislative procedures.

Crucially, it noted that Guyo was never given an opportunity to be heard or defend himself, a right enshrined under Article 50 of the constitution.

“This blatant disregard for due process renders the entire purported impeachment process null and void,” the statement said.

In addition, the governor’s office pointed out that a valid court order is currently in place suspending any impeachment proceedings, warning that any attempt to disregard the order would be a direct violation of the law.

“The law must be respected by all parties, and no individual or institution is above the Constitution,” it emphasised.

The statement urged residents of Isiolo to dismiss any claims of a leadership change, reaffirming that Guyo remains in office and continues to perform his duties.

“The governor remains committed to upholding the rule of law, fostering unity, and delivering services to the people of Isiolo with integrity, transparency, and accountability,” the statement stated.