Isiolo on edge: Two assemblies, one county in chaos

Isiolo County is facing a severe political crisis, with two rival county assemblies now operating simultaneously in different locations, each claiming legitimacy and authority.

What started in June as an attempt by MCAs to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo has since escalated into a prolonged leadership dispute that has left the county government at risk of paralysis.

For the past week, the factions have been holding parallel sittings and livestreaming proceedings on separate Facebook pages, leaving residents in confusion.

One group, led by Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto and acting Clerk Yussuf Haji, is based at the official County Assembly premises in Isiolo town.

The other, under Speaker Abdullahi Banticha and substantive Clerk Salad Boru, has relocated to Oldonyiro town, about 100 kilometers away, in what they call Bunge Mashinani.

The Oldonyiro faction’s legitimacy is in question, with many puzzled by how it obtained its own mace. Banticha, who previously served as Finance executive before being controversially declared Speaker, insists he is lawfully in office after Deputy Speaker David Lemantile reportedly gazetted the relocation of the chambers.

Their first session was held on August 27, the same day the Isiolo chambers were vandalised. Banticha and three others were later arrested over the incident and charged in court.

Speaker Roba accuses the executive of sponsoring the split to avoid scrutiny.

“I am the substantive Speaker of the County Assembly of Isiolo and the designated chambers are in Isiolo town. What is happening is a plot by the executive to evade accountability and cover up underhand dealings,” Roba said.

Banticha, however, maintains that his rival was properly removed.

“All our problems stem from Roba, the impeached Speaker. The legitimate County Assembly is conducting its business from Oldonyiro as renovations continue at the Isiolo chambers,” he argued.

The confusion has been compounded by the government printer, which has been accused of publishing controversial gazette notices endorsing rival leaderships.

This has further divided the assembly and brought legislative business to a standstill.

A major casualty of the standoff is Isiolo’s 2025/2026 budget process, which has stalled after the Banticha group purportedly passed it, prompting immediate rejection by Roba’s side.

The crisis traces back to June 10, when a motion to impeach Governor Guyo was tabled. The court halted the process, ruling that he had not been properly served.

Soon after, Clerk Boru was sent on compulsory leave over alleged misconduct, with Haji appointed to act in his place. Boru challenged the decision in court and has since continued to claim he remains in office.

Amid the wrangles, a fake letter circulated online alleging that Speaker Roba had resigned. The Assembly dismissed it as false and proceeded with a fresh impeachment motion on June 18, which was passed on June 26 by 16 out of 18 MCAs.

Boru countered by declaring the impeachment invalid, citing court orders, and went on to publish a gazette notice announcing Banticha as Speaker.

Although the Senate later overturned Governor Guyo’s impeachment, five MCAs crossed over to Banticha’s camp. He insists his faction is valid since it meets the minimum quorum.

“The County Assembly I lead is duly operational because I have the quorum of six members out of 18,” he said.

Roba’s camp rejects that position.

“Even if they demolish the entire County Assembly building, we will sit on the blocks and transact business in Isiolo town. Nothing will stop us,” Roba declared.

Other leaders have dismissed Bunge Mashinani as unlawful. Ngaremara MCA Peter Losu said: “To relocate an assembly, there must be a substantive motion passed by a majority of MCAs and approved by the Speaker. A deputy speaker has no power to relocate it. The Oldonyiro assembly is nothing more than a public baraza.”

Governance experts have raised alarm. Prof Gitile Naituli said Isiolo’s government has collapsed and should be suspended under Article 192 of the Constitution.

“None of the rival assemblies can legally operate. The presidency must intervene,” he said.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also cautioned that the failed impeachment attempt has triggered dangerous instability. Chairman Rev Samuel Kobia warned of growing insecurity.

“What is unfolding in Isiolo is not normal political contestation but a profound breakdown of political order—one that threatens the fragile social fabric,” he said.

The NCIC reports receiving credible information about illegal firearms, hired gangs, and the misuse of public funds to fuel political violence. Isiolo County Commissioner David Kiprop has called for urgent intervention.

“We cannot allow the county to go on like this for too long. Law and order must prevail,” he said.