Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo’s impeachment trial officially commenced in the Senate on July 8, 2025, following a decisive vote by 16 out of 18 Members of the County Assembly to remove him from office, on June 26, 2025.
The motion to remove him from office was introduced by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana and received overwhelming support, 16 out of 18 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) voted in favor, with no opposition and two members absent.
The Assembly cited multiple grounds for impeachment, including gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional and legal provisions.
Notably, Guyo did not appear before the Assembly to defend himself, despite being formally invited, and his absence was recorded as the session proceeded in line with Standing Orders.
The resolution was then forwarded to the Senate for consideration, as required by Article 181 of the Constitution and Section 33 of the County Governments Act.
The Senate opted for a full plenary hearing rather than a special committee, setting the stage for a two-day proceeding that has drawn national attention. Guyo faces three major charges: gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
Among the allegations are irregular appointments—including 36 advisors and 31 chief officers—misuse of public funds, and failure to deliver key constitutional obligations such as the annual State of the County address.
He is also accused of making sexist and divisive remarks, particularly targeting Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, and of running county affairs remotely from Nairobi, which allegedly stalled service delivery.
Guyo pleaded not guilty to all charges and assembled a formidable legal team as part of a strategic defense aimed at challenging both the substance and procedure of his impeachment. His legal team, led by prominent lawyers Eric Theuri and Elias Mutuma, is relying on multiple arguments to contest the charges of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi had cautioned Senators to refrain from making public comments on the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo.
Kingi emphasized that premature or partisan remarks could compromise the integrity of the process, especially if the Senate opts for a special committee to investigate the charges.
The Senate now faces a pivotal decision: whether to form an 11-member special committee to probe the allegations or to proceed with a full hearing in plenary. Either route allows Governor Guyo to defend himself in person or through legal counsel.
If a majority of Senators uphold the charges, he will be removed from office immediately; if not, he retains his position and the County Assembly must wait three months before reintroducing the motion.
The trial is unfolding amid political and clan tensions, with some leaders framing the impeachment as a battle for regional supremacy and devolution integrity.
If at least 24 of the 47 elected senators vote to uphold any of the charges, Guyo will be removed from office. Otherwise, he retains his seat and may pursue legal redress.
