Isiolo Speaker Mohammed Roba (Center). Photo File. 
By Virginia Siebela
Tensions remain high in Isiolo County amid a deepening political crisis following a dramatic turn of events tied to the planned impeachment of Governor Abdi Guyo.
The situation escalated after County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba was reportedly arrested in the early hours of Monday from a hotel in Machakos, where he was allegedly hiding with a group of MCAs supporting the impeachment motion. He was detained by individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Roba, who was released Tuesday afternoon on a Ksh100,000 cash bail, is facing an attempted murder charge in connection with a recent altercation at the Isiolo County Assembly. He allegedly drew his firearm and fired into the air during a confrontation with individuals he claims were hired to disrupt assembly proceedings.
Addressing the media after his release, Roba decried what he termed politically motivated intimidation, asserting his independence as Speaker.
“My role is independent. I wonder why I am being subjected to such suffering and intimidation,” he said, flanked by MCAs backing the motion.
The Majority Leader, Abubakari Godana, and Burat Ward MCA Nicholas Lorot echoed Roba’s sentiments, alleging that MCAs pushing for the governor’s removal were facing threats to their lives.
“It is our democratic right to impeach a governor whose performance is below expectations,” said Godana, revealing that 16 out of the 18 MCAs had resolved to oust Governor Guyo over claims of poor service delivery and mismanagement.
He further alleged that some MCAs had narrowly escaped assassination attempts and vowed that the Assembly would not be cowed by intimidation.
Roba directly accused senior national security officials, including the head of the DCI, of being behind what he described as targeted harassment.
“I call upon the Inspector General of Police to rein in his officers and stop them from being misused by political interests to interfere with the functioning of the Isiolo Assembly,” he said.
Godana added that internal matters of the Assembly should be resolved by the elected MCAs, not external forces. He expressed fears that the Speaker’s continued reporting to police could be a tactic to derail Thursday’s crucial impeachment session.
Roba also appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and ensure that top security officials do not abuse their authority to intimidate elected leaders.
As the political standoff intensifies, all eyes remain on Isiolo County Assembly ahead of Thursday’s impeachment motion.
