SOMALI COMMUNITY ELDERS AND PROFESSIONALS IN ISIOLO CALL FOR ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE GOVERNOR GUYO IMPEACHMENT DISPUTE
SOMALI COMMUNITY ELDERS AND PROFESSIONALS IN ISIOLO CALL FOR ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE GOVERNOR GUYO IMPEACHMENT DISPUTE
A group of Somali professionals and elders from Isiolo County have called on Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and other stakeholders involved in the push to impeach Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo to pursue alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. They advocate for arbitration as a more constructive approach to addressing grievances, warning that continued political tension could threaten the county’s fragile interethnic harmony.
In a joint statement delivered by Luqman Ahmed, the group acknowledged that while the impeachment process is constitutionally permitted, it is often lengthy and disruptive. They expressed concern that prolonged political battles could stall development projects and negatively impact the delivery of essential services to Isiolo residents.
The speakers emphasized that impeachment should be considered only as a last resort—once all other avenues of dialogue and reconciliation have been fully explored. They cautioned that unnecessary use of public resources on political conflicts would be a disservice to the people of Isiolo, who are in greater need of development-focused leadership.
Elders, through their Council Chairperson Abdulkadir Shariff Abdullahi, clarified that their intention is not to take sides. Instead, they offered to mediate between the opposing parties in order to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution. They reiterated their commitment to preserving unity and ensuring that the political standoff does not spiral into deeper divisions within the county.
Citing the example of similar proceedings in other regions, such as neighboring Meru County, the elders highlighted Isiolo’s unique ethnic landscape and warned that mishandling the situation could risk triggering ethnic strife. They urged all parties to act with wisdom and restraint, underscoring that dialogue and mediation are the most effective ways to maintain peace and stability in the county.