Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba has resigned in a surprise move, stepping down just as political tensions peaked over efforts to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo.
In a resignation letter dated June 18, Roba cited “personal reasons” and invoked provisions from the County Government Act, Elections Act, and Assembly Standing Orders. His resignation took effect on June 17.
“I hereby tender my resignation as Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly effective 17th June, 2025,” the letter read. Roba also thanked MCAs and staff for their support during his tenure.
Roba and Governor Guyo were once political allies—Guyo had lobbied for Roba to become Speaker—but the relationship later soured. Sources say Roba and a group of MCAs had relocated to Machakos to strategize on the impeachment, which has since been halted by a court order.
On Tuesday, Assembly Clerk Salad Boru Guracha announced the cancellation of public participation forums on the impeachment, citing a High Court directive. The Assembly had earlier published a notice on June 14 inviting public input across Isiolo wards.
The court, through Justice Heston Nyaga, issued a conservatory order restraining the Assembly from processing, debating, or considering the impeachment motion pending a full hearing. Guyo had sued the County Assembly and the Speaker, challenging the legality of the process.
The judge deemed the matter urgent and ordered all respondents to be served by June 17. They were given seven days to respond, while Guyo was granted three days to file a supplementary affidavit upon receiving the responses.
The impeachment motion, tabled by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, had the unanimous backing of all 18 MCAs. It accused Governor Guyo of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional and legal provisions.
Specific accusations included:
• Mismanagement of county development projects
• Failure to meet revenue targets
• Appointing 36 advisors and 31 chief officers despite Isiolo being among the lowest-funded counties
• Creating instability through questionable contracts and terminations
• Running county affairs from Nairobi instead of Isiolo
Godana cited violations of Chapter Six of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and the Public Officers Ethics Act, saying the governor had failed to uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
The legal and political standoff continues as the court prepares to hear the case.