Isiolo governor's fate in the hands of Senate

**Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo when he appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee at Bunge Tower, Nairobi, on May 19, 2024.** [File, Standard]

The Senate is set to start the process of examining the impeachment of Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo, following charges laid by Members of the Isiolo County Assembly.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has convened a special sitting this morning to hear the accusations brought against Governor Hassan. The House will then determine whether to establish an eleven‑member special committee to investigate the matter and report back within 10 days, or alternatively, to require the Governor’s appearance before the full Senate in plenary.

Speaker Kingi is expected to announce the chosen approach today afternoon, clarifying whether the Senate will proceed via committee or plenary. His decision follows receipt of a letter dated June 26, 2025 from the Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly, which endorsed a motion calling for Governor Hassan’s removal through impeachment.

“I have appointed Monday, June 30, 2025, as the day for a special sitting of the Senate. The sitting shall be held in the Senate Chamber at the Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, commencing at 10.00am. The purpose is to hear the charges against Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan,” declared Kingi.

Under the provisions of the County Governments Act, if the Senate opts for a special committee, that body must determine whether the evidence substantiates the allegations against the Governor. He retains the right to appear personally or be represented. Should the committee find the charges unsubstantiated, proceedings under this section shall cease. Conversely, if the allegations are upheld, the Senate shall offer the Governor an opportunity to be heard before voting on the charges.

Should a majority of all Senators vote to uphold an impeachment charge, Governor Hassan will immediately cease to hold office. Failing that, the Speaker of the Senate will notify the Speaker of the County Assembly that the Governor remains in office.

The Act further stipulates that the County Assembly may only reintroduce the same motion within three months, should the Senate vote against removal.

Governor Hassan was impeached last Thursday when the County Assembly passed a motion calling for his removal. Sixteen of the 18 Members voted in favour, with two absent. The motion was initially tabled on June 10, 2025 by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, who alleged that the Governor had stalled key development projects within the county.

Among the charges laid was Governor Hassan’s alleged failure to meet revenue targets, despite Isiolo County receiving the third‑lowest revenue allocation nationally. He was also criticised for maintaining an inflated executive structure, reportedly comprising 36 advisors and 31 chief officers.

The County Assembly further accused the Governor of issuing short‑term two‑year contracts to chief officers, contrary to normative practice, which they claim fostered a climate of fear. Moreover, the selective renewal of only five of 20 chief‑officer contracts has been challenged as opaque and questionable.

Former Governors Mike Sonko (Nairobi) and Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu) were removed following similar proceedings after the Senate upheld their impeachments. As today’s session unfolds, the Senate will decide how to proceed with Governor Hassan’s case. It may appoint a committee to report within 10 days or choose to handle the matter in plenary.

The outcome could have far-reaching effects, not just for Governor Hassan, but for devolution as a whole. The Senate’s chosen path will reflect its stance on accountability within county governments.