Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has survived an impeachment attempt after the Senate dismissed the case against him, citing procedural irregularities. In a session held on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, senators voted in favour of preliminary objections raised by Governor Guyo’s legal team, effectively terminating the process before a full hearing could commence.
The Senate ruled that the Isiolo County Assembly failed to properly execute the impeachment process. Senators upheld arguments that a valid sitting of the assembly to impeach the governor had not occurred, and that a court order had barred the proceedings. A total of 31 senators voted to support the preliminary objection, while 12 opposed, pushing for the matter to go to a full trial.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu emphasized the importance of following legal procedures, stating, “Justice must be served to all parties… the process and procedure must be followed.” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also supported the objection, urged senators to respect judicial authority, saying, “It would be the darkest day for any lawyer if court orders are disobeyed.”
However, some senators disagreed with terminating the process prematurely. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot argued that serious issues raised by the County Assembly should be evaluated through a full hearing. “We are killing the case before it even begins,” added Mandera Senator Ali Roba, stressing the need for justice through substance over form.
Others, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, warned against setting a dangerous precedent where due process is ignored. “You cannot allow people to sit in a bar, present a motion, and remove a duly elected governor,” Osotsi remarked sharply.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua summarized the Senate’s stance, saying, “It doesn’t matter what the Governor has done. We are here debating the process under which he was brought here.”
With the Senate’s decision, Governor Guyo remains in office, but the political tensions in Isiolo remain unresolved. The ruling also sends a strong message to county assemblies across the country on the importance of adhering strictly to constitutional procedures in impeachment processes.
