Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo launched a fierce defense against his impeachment Tuesday, rejecting all charges while his legal team accused the County Assembly of fabricating evidence in what they called a “phantom impeachment.”
Standing before the Senate as his three-day trial commenced, Guyo entered “not guilty” pleas to charges of abuse of office, gross misconduct, and constitutional violations that could end his political career.
The governor faces explosive allegations that paint a picture of unchecked power and financial recklessness. County Assembly members claim he bypassed legal hiring procedures to create a bloated administration, appointing 36 advisors when only 18 are legally permitted and installing 31 chief officers despite the county having just six departments.
The charges extend beyond administrative overreach. Assembly members accuse Guyo of systematically ignoring their financial oversight recommendations as the county’s debt burden spiraled upward, effectively sidelining the legislative branch’s constitutional role.
Perhaps most damaging is the resurfaced allegation of a sexist public attack on Senator Fatuma Dullo, which prosecutors are framing as gender-based psychological violence – a charge that could resonate beyond Isiolo’s borders.
But Guyo’s defense team, led by heavyweight lawyers Elisha Ongoya and former Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri, came out swinging with accusations that could derail the entire process.
“These blatant contradictions between the Hansard and other records provided by the Assembly are major indicators of not only misrepresentation but that the documents presented have been cooked and generated outside the Assembly,” Theuri declared, challenging the very foundation of the impeachment.
The defense claims the Assembly never actually held the meetings referenced in their evidence, calling the entire process a “phantom impeachment” that violates constitutional procedure and sets a dangerous precedent for future cases.
“There was no sitting of the House Business Committee to deliberate on the order papers. There was no sitting of the Assembly on the said day,” Theuri argued, suggesting the impeachment documents were fabricated after the fact.
The battle lines are clearly drawn for what promises to be a contentious three-day trial. Guyo will rely on five witnesses, including Salat Boru Guracha, Habiba Galgalo Jirma, Isiolo County MCA Abdinoor Dima Jilo, and Shaban Mzungu to support his version of events.
The County Assembly has assembled a formidable legal army of more than ten lawyers, including constitutional lawyer Ekuru Aukot and Paul Nyamodi, backed by six MCA witnesses ready to testify against the governor.
The outcome will determine whether Guyo joins the growing list of governors removed from office or survives to serve out his term, potentially setting important precedents for how impeachment proceedings are conducted across Kenya’s 47 counties.
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