A section of Somali community professionals and the Council of Elders in Isiolo County has urged political leaders to consider mediation in resolving the current crisis surrounding Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo’s impeachment bid. The elders say the move aims to protect the county’s fragile inter-ethnic harmony and ensure continuity in development.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Luqman Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the professionals and elders, stressed the importance of dialogue over political confrontation. He acknowledged that while impeachment is a constitutional process, it is often protracted and risks paralysing county operations and essential service delivery.
“Impeachment should be the last option. We must first exhaust all other avenues of resolving disputes amicably,” said Ahmed. “Resources and time that could otherwise benefit the public are now being channeled towards political battles.”
Led by Somali Council of Elders Chairperson Abdulkadir Shariff Abdullahi, the group reaffirmed its neutrality in the matter, clarifying they were not supporting any political camp. Instead, they committed to leading a community-driven reconciliation process, appealing to Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and other stakeholders to prioritise unity and dialogue.
The elders also highlighted the potential risks the political standoff poses to peaceful coexistence in the ethnically diverse county. They cited past instability in counties like Meru as a cautionary tale, noting that Isiolo’s unique social fabric demands a more measured and inclusive approach.
Their intervention comes days after the High Court in Isiolo issued an order stopping the impeachment process, pending the determination of a petition filed by Governor Guyo. The court barred MCAs from debating or even considering the motion, which had been tabled on June 10 and was scheduled for discussion on June 17.
Guyo is accused of presiding over stalled development projects and failing to meet county revenue targets. He has, however, challenged the impeachment, arguing it is politically motivated.
As the legal process unfolds, community leaders hope that mediation efforts can offer a peaceful resolution and safeguard Isiolo’s development and social cohesion.
