Isiolo Governor Guyo nominates three new CECs

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has nominated three new County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), a move that comes barely two months after the Senate saved him from removal from office.

In a statement on Tuesday, Guyo appointed Luqman Ahmed to head the Finance and Economic Planning docket, Hussein Jirmo Katelo to oversee Lands, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Urban Planning and Municipal Services, and Guracha Kikuyu to lead Water, Environment, Climate Change, Mining and Natural Resources.

The names have been forwarded to the Isiolo County Assembly for vetting.

“In accordance with the provisions of the County Governments Act, 2012, and the Public Appointments (County Assemblies Approval) Act, their names have been formally submitted to the County Assembly of Isiolo for vetting, consideration, and approval,” County Spokesperson Ali Edin said.

The appointments come against the backdrop of Guyo’s narrow escape in July when the Senate overturned his impeachment by the County Assembly.

On July 9, 2025, 31 Senators voted to sustain Guyo’s objection to the ouster motion while 12 opposed, following his challenge on whether the Assembly had lawfully convened to remove him.

While delivering the ruling, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi cautioned Guyo against celebrating the outcome, instead urging him to repair strained relations with local leaders.

“This is not a win, and the Senate does not expect you to go out there chest-thumping. This is a postponement of your case. Depending on how you are going to carry yourself going forward, that case may never be heard or may be back here in a matter of days. It’s up to you,” Kingi said.

“Clearly, there are cracks in the walls of Isiolo County. If I were you, I’d go mend those cracks. You need to have a sitting with your Senator even if it’s through a third party. You need to mend your relationship with the County Assembly.”

The Assembly had accused the Governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, delaying major development projects, missing revenue targets, and inflating the size of his administration with advisors and chief officers.

He was said to have recruited 36 advisors and 31 chief officers, despite Isiolo being among the least funded counties nationally.

Lawmakers also faulted him for issuing short-term contracts of two years to chief officers, saying the practice created an “environment of fear and uncertainty.” The impeachment motion went ahead even though the courts had barred the Assembly from proceeding.

Separately, Guyo is facing another storm after the Director of Public Prosecutions ordered his arrest over alleged involvement in kidnapping and robbery with violence.

According to the DPP, the directive followed a review of an inquiry file submitted by the DCI Kiyumbi office and escalated to Nairobi due to its public interest.

The statement indicated that former Isiolo County Chief Officer of Health, Abdirahaman Mohamed, and 15 MCAs allied to the impeachment effort were at Outbark Hotel in Maanzoni, Machakos County, when Guyo and his supporters allegedly stormed the venue.

Acting on his instructions, they reportedly attacked Abdirahaman, disarmed him, and abducted him.

Guyo has dismissed the allegations, insisting he was not present at the scene and describing the accusations as a political witch-hunt.

The Kiambu High Court has since issued orders barring his arrest, harassment, or prosecution until his application is fully heard and determined.