Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has dismissed the recent directive by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to have him arrested, claiming the move is politically motivated.
Speaking on Sunday during a fundraising event at PCEA Shalom church in Kayole, Nairobi, Guyo accused his political opponents of using state agencies to undermine his leadership.
“These charges are political. We will fight it, and with time, we will be vindicated,” he said, insisting that his opponents should seek leadership through the ballot and not “shortcuts.”
The Governor further stated that despite the DPP’s directive, a conservatory court order currently prohibits his arrest until a petition he filed is heard and determined.
“This is not giving me sleepless nights. I want to tell the politicians behind it that if you want to be governor, talk to the people of Isiolo. There is no shortcut,” Guyo added.
Charges Against Guyo
The ODPP, in a statement dated September 5, 2025, announced that Guyo and seven others would face charges of kidnapping with intent to cause grievous harm and robbery with violence.
According to the prosecution, the case stems from an incident involving a former Isiolo County Chief Officer of Health, who was allegedly targeted due to his association with MCAs backing the Governor’s impeachment.
The ODPP alleges that Guyo’s supporters, acting on his instructions, kidnapped the officer at a Maanzoni hotel in Machakos County, blindfolded and assaulted him, before abandoning him in Ruai.
During the ordeal, the victim reportedly lost a licensed Glock pistol with 15 rounds, an iPhone 16, Sh70,000 in cash, and other personal belongings.
The ODPP said the inquiry file was first forwarded to its Machakos office in June before being escalated to headquarters due to public interest.
Governor Guyo has vowed to cooperate with authorities while continuing to defend his position, terming the accusations a political witch-hunt.
