Isiolo Residents Decry Political Interference, Demand Respect for Impeachment Process
Residents of Isiolo County have issued a strongly worded joint statement condemning what they term as a systematic assault on democracy and abuse of power aimed at frustrating the ongoing constitutional impeachment process against the Governor.
In a press statement read by the Member of Parliament Isiolo South,Hon. Mohammed Tupi ,expressed outrage over the continued intimidation and threats targeting Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), who they say have been forced into hiding amid fears for their safety.
The impeachment process initiated by the Isiolo County Assembly and rooted in extensive public participation forums held on June 24 has triggered a violent backlash.
The residents allege that armed groups linked to the Governor have disrupted Assembly proceedings, assaulted lawmakers, and vandalized property in a desperate bid to derail the motion.
The briefing which brought together Isiolo, Marsabit,Tana River leaders,Elders and Professional from Isiolo County.In a detailed of alleged abuses, the community highlighted multiple incidents of violence.
On June 10, armed goons reportedly stormed the Assembly, prompting MCAs to flee. Two days later, a former Chief Officer, Abdurahman Sheikh, was abducted and brutally assaulted in Manzoni, yet no suspects have been arrested. The most alarming incident came on June 18, when the Governor is said to have led an invasion of the Assembly chambers, with police reportedly turning on the Speaker instead of protecting legislators.
On the day of the vote June 26 thugs once again attempted to block access to the Assembly and vandalized government vehicles and offices, allegedly under the passive watch of law enforcement.
The statement further accuses a senior Cabinet Secretary and a Court of Appeal Judge of meddling in the process to protect vested political and economic interests. A forged Gazette Notice naming Finance CEC Abdullah Banticha as Speaker of the Assembly allegedly issued using a falsified resignation letter is also at the center of the residents’ grievances.
Calling on President William Ruto to urgently intervene, the people of Isiolo demanded investigations, arrests, and protection for their elected MCAs. They insist the unfolding crisis represents a grave threat not just to local governance but to the integrity of constitutional democracy in Kenya.
“The people of Isiolo are watching. So is the entire nation, We stand united in defense of the Constitution, the rule of law, and our sovereignty.”from the statement read by Tupi.
