Somali Elders Move to Defuse Isiolo Governor Guyo Impeachment Crisis
Community elders and professionals from the Somali community in Isiolo are calling for immediate mediation in the ongoing impeachment standoff involving Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
The Council of Elders, speaking through Luqman Ahmed during a public address in Isiolo, urged Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to suspend political hostilities and pursue dialogue. The group warned that the current push to remove the governor could disrupt the delicate balance of ethnic coexistence in the county.
“Impeachment is legal, but it must come after all peaceful avenues are explored,” Ahmed stated. He stressed that the focus should remain on development and service delivery, not political divisions.
The elders said they were not siding with any political faction. Speaking on behalf of the group, Council Chair Abdulkadir Shariff Abdullahi emphasized their intention to mediate rather than inflame tensions. “We are neutral. Our role is to promote dialogue and unity. The people of Isiolo deserve peace and progress,” Abdullahi said.
The elders drew comparisons to political unrest in neighboring counties and cautioned that Isiolo’s ethnic makeup requires careful and sensitive handling. They argued that conflict arising from political disputes could stall critical services and expose the county to long-term instability.
The High Court in Isiolo has already stepped in. On Monday, June 16, the court issued an order halting any proceedings related to the impeachment motion. The motion had been tabled in the County Assembly on June 10 and was scheduled for debate on June 17.
According to the court order, MCAs were barred from “admitting, processing, debating or considering” the motion until the case is heard and determined. Governor Guyo had sued the county assembly and its speaker, citing violations of procedure.
Guyo faces accusations of mismanaging development programs and failing to meet the county’s revenue targets. The charges have not yet been proven in court.
The Council of Elders urged all parties to de-escalate and engage in structured dialogue to resolve any leadership grievances. “We believe reconciliation is possible and necessary. We cannot let political disagreements drag the county backward,” Ahmed added.
Calls for peace have gained traction as residents and leaders weigh the cost of division. The Council’s position reflects growing pressure for a negotiated outcome rather than a prolonged legal and political fight.
The situation remains fluid, with court proceedings pending and political tensions high. However, the elders’ intervention may open a new path to defuse the conflict without fracturing Isiolo’s fragile unity.
