A fire has been reported at the Isiolo County Secretary’s office, further escalating tensions in the county’s volatile political environment. Images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the office engulfed in flames on Wednesday, just hours after goons invaded the Isiolo County Assembly chambers, vandalising property and disrupting operations.
At the time of publication, the cause of the fire remained unclear, and it had not been established whether the same individuals behind the Assembly invasion were also responsible for torching the office. Authorities had yet to confirm the extent of the damage caused by the blaze.
The incident unfolded shortly after the arrest of embattled Isiolo County Assembly Speaker, Mohamed Roba. Roba was apprehended by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) along Thika Road while en route to Nairobi. Initially, his supporters speculated that he had been abducted, but authorities later clarified that he was taken to Ruaraka Police Station before being moved to Mavoko Law Courts.
According to a letter by prosecution counsel Nyaroita Nyokabi, dated August 1, Roba is facing charges including assaulting a police officer and malicious damage to property. The charges reportedly stem from a confrontation during a county vehicles recovery operation.
Wednesday morning’s chaos saw unidentified individuals storm the Isiolo County Assembly chambers in broad daylight, destroying property and leaving the House unable to proceed with business. The attack followed weeks of political wrangles in the county, particularly a failed impeachment motion against Governor Abdi Guyo. The Senate recently overturned Guyo’s ouster, ruling that the County Assembly had not properly convened to debate or vote on the motion.
Roba, who played a central role in the impeachment process, has also been battling reports of his resignation. In June, speculation emerged that he had stepped down as Speaker, claims he strongly refuted, dismissing them as false and intended to mislead the public.
The three incidents the fire, Assembly invasion, and Roba’s arrest underscore the heightened political instability in Isiolo. As investigations continue, residents and leaders alike await clarity on who is behind the escalating chaos in the county.
