Mwenda Thuranira Slams Isiolo Governor's Leadership, Decries Failed Devolution Promises
- Isiolo businessman and politician Mwenda Thuranira criticised Governor Abdi Guyo’s leadership, saying residents were denied basic services despite billions allocated
- A motion to impeach the governor over alleged corruption and abuse of office was unanimously passed by the MCAs
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Thuranira warned that legal manoeuvres should not be used to shield poor leadership, urging oversight bodies to uphold the integrity of devolution
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The political heat in Isiolo reached boiling point after businessman and politician Mwenda Thuranira broke his silence, calling out Governor Abdi Guyo.
Source: UGC
Thuranira termed the governor's tenure so far as a complete failure of leadership and a betrayal of the devolution dream.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, he said the people of Isiolo have endured years of neglect and poor service delivery, despite the county receiving over KSh 35 billion since devolution began in 2013.
He accused Guyo’s administration of presiding over rampant corruption and mismanagement, which has left residents struggling with basic needs such as water, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
“Devolution was a great idea, but here in Isiolo, leadership has failed. People still lack clean water, healthcare, security, and good roads. That is unacceptable,” Thuranira said.
What triggered the latest political storm in Isiolo?
Thuranira’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial Senate appearance by the governor, who defended a county tender awarded at KSh 36 million more than the lowest bidder.
He claimed the cheaper bid was “too low,” but failed to provide evidence that the lower bidder could not deliver the project, raising red flags over procurement credibility.
“This tender issue is not isolated. It reflects a deeper, systemic problem. The auditor-general’s report flagged irregular expenditures, unsupported payments, and shady procurement worth hundreds of millions. This is a crisis of accountability,” Thuranira noted.
The storm intensified on Thursday, June 26, when 16 Isiolo MCAs unanimously passed a motion to impeach the governor.
The motion, tabled by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, cited gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of the Constitution.
For many in the assembly, it was a moment of reckoning following years of growing frustration with the executive arm.
Why Isiolo governor's impeachment halted despite Assembly vote
Just a day later, on Friday, June 27, Justice Heston Nyaga Mbogo ruled that conservatory orders issued on June 23 remained in effect.
He declared the impeachment vote legally null and void, as it was conducted while the orders were still active. The judge affirmed that any decisions made under such circumstances had no legal effect.
However, Thuranira dismissed the court ruling as a procedural delay rather than a defence of the governor’s conduct.
“The courts are there to protect due process, but they should not become safe havens for bad leadership. This ruling is just a temporary stop, not a solution. The people of Isiolo still want answers,” he told TUKO.co.ke.
How is Isiolo faring under devolution compared to other counties?
Despite receiving over KSh 35 billion in budgetary allocations over the past decade, Isiolo still lags behind in critical development indicators.
According to Thuranira, a simple drive across the county reveals a glaring absence of major projects, with many residents still lacking access to even the most basic services.
“There is no reason why, with all that money, residents should still suffer,” he said. “Go around the county and see for yourself. Most of the projects are either stalled or nonexistent. It’s heartbreaking.”
He contrasted Isiolo’s situation with other counties that have flourished under strong leadership.
“This system can work. Look at Makueni under Kivutha Kibwana, Kakamega under Wycliffe Oparanya, and Murang’a today under Irungu Kang’ata. With good leadership, devolution transforms lives,” he said.
Thuranira called on institutions like the Senate, the judiciary, and oversight bodies to rise above politics and protect the principles of devolution.
He said accountability must not be buried under legal technicalities and urged citizens to exercise their constitutional powers.
“Leadership is about service. If someone cannot deliver, then they should step aside. It is that simple,” he said.
As tension continues to simmer in Isiolo, all eyes are now on the Senate, where the governor's fate will be decided.
Source: Twitter
Did Senate defy court order on Abdi Guyo’s impeachment?
In a related development previously covered by TUKO.co.ke, the Senate scheduled a special plenary session for Monday, June 30, to deliberate on the impeachment of Guyo.
Despite the Senate’s readiness to proceed, the session stirred confusion, as it came just a day after court nullified the impeachment.
Nevertheless, the Senate maintained it had officially received the impeachment resolution and proceeded to convene the sitting as planned.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
