Daandi Qarooma

Once upon a time, in a distant kingdom, there lived a powerful king who had a daughter of extraordinary beauty. As she came of age, the king resolved to find a worthy suitor, one who would not only win her heart but also demonstrate unmatched courage. There was a catch, however: the princess had never seen beyond the palace walls, and the king desired a man brave enough to confront the unknown.

To this end, the king summoned the people of the land to witness a unique contest. The challenge was deceptively simple: any man who could swim across the royal pool without fear would win the hand of the princess and inherit great power and wealth. The prize was immense, and so was the crowd.

As anticipation grew, the king ordered swimming gear to be distributed among the youth. Just then, to everyone’s shock, a helicopter descended, releasing hundreds of crocodiles into the pool. Gasps filled the air, and enthusiasm dissolved into fear. No one dared take a step forward.

Amid the stunned silence, the princess quietly stepped behind the one man who had captured her attention, and with a gentle but determined push, sent him flying into the pool.
Unbeknownst to the crowd, the crocodiles were harmless replicas, mere plastic props meant to test the hearts of men.

The crowd gasped, cried, and murmured prayers, watching in suspense as the man fought his way through what seemed like certain death. Against all odds, he reached the other side, soaked but alive. Emerging in disbelief, he asked the question that echoed through time: “Who pushed me?”

But it was too late for questions. Cheers erupted. The king stepped forward, beaming with pride, and offered the man his daughter, the royal car keys, a full security detail, and a place in the palace as crown prince and heir.

The message was clear: true leadership comes not from desire, but from a moment of courage, sometimes forced, but always revealing.

Years later, in the arid plains of Isiolo, Kenya, a real-life tale unfolded with eerie resemblance. A storm was brewing in the political realm, a storm fueled not by crocodiles, but by greed, nepotism, and political manipulation. A faction of cunning political actors, inspired by tribal allegiance and age-old rivalries, crafted a plan to unseat the sitting Governor. Led by the Speaker of the Assembly and backed by forces from neighboring Marsabit and some local politicians, they seduced Members of County Assembly (MCAs) with promises of employment, contracts, and influence.

Their plan was precise. On the 10th of June 2025, the notice of impeachment was officially tabled, cheered on by power-hungry brokers and elders who saw the opportunity not for justice, but for personal gain. They stirred chaos, masked it in public interest, and hoped to plunge the Governor into political oblivion.

Yet, just as the man in the folktale had been pushed into the water, the Governor of Isiolo found himself pushed into turbulent political waters. But where others might have drowned in fear and lies, he swam. Through deception, he held firm. Through betrayal, he stayed honest. The “crocodiles” of corruption, false alliances, and clan politics proved just as plastic and powerless when met with the steady stroke of integrity.

The people of Isiolo watched. They waited. And then, they celebrated, not just the survival of a Governor, but the triumph of a leadership that had stood the test of fire. Across the county, citizens rejoiced in what they now recognized as a rare gem: a leader who had not only earned power but proven worthy of it.

In the end, both stories, one a royal folktale, the other a modern political saga, teach the same profound truth: real courage is often born from crisis, real leaders are often revealed in chaos, and true love, whether of a princess or of a people, is won not by fearlessness, but by rising when all others retreat.

The sun rose over Isiolo Central with unusual radiance, casting golden hues upon the County Assembly grounds; grounds that were soon to witness an outpouring of unity, culture, and unwavering love. On this historic day, thousands of residents from all corners of the county converged to show their solidarity with their embattled but beloved Governor, Abdi Ibrahim Hassan. It was not a day of protest; it was a celebration. A celebration of leadership, progress, and the deep bond between a leader and his people.

What began as a cloud of political uncertainty quickly transformed into a resounding demonstration of loyalty. The recent impeachment notice served by the County Assembly, although temporarily stalled, had sparked concern among the public. But the people of Isiolo chose a different response: not rage, but resolve; not division, but unity.

Clad in vibrant traditional regalia, communities from the Samburu, Turkana, Somali, Borana, and Sakuye ethnicities formed a cultural mosaic that radiated the spirit of Isiolo’s diversity.

They came not through organized mobilization, but out of pure conviction, dancing, singing, and chanting in their native tongues, lifting high the name of a governor they regard as a unifying figure and champion of progress.

The event became more than a cultural display; it transformed into a platform of truth.

Community representatives took the stage one after another, their voices steady and passionate. They decried the attempted impeachment as unjust and politically motivated, suggesting that external influences, particularly from neighboring counties, were meddling in Isiolo’s affairs.

The Governor of Marsabit, they claimed, had long opposed Governor Hassan and was now leveraging local allies through deceptive promises of appointments and contracts.

Hon. Major Jilo, Member of County Assembly for Kina Ward, voiced what many felt: that Isiolo’s destiny lies in the hands of Isiolo’s people. He called the external interference unwelcome and irrelevant, a sentiment that struck a deep chord with the crowd.

His words were echoed by Majority Leader Hon. Abdirashid Gira, who revealed that several MCAs had come forward in remorse, admitting they had been misled and now stood ready to make amends.

Amidst the heartfelt support, Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan addressed the jubilant gathering. Calm and composed, he walked the people through a detailed account of his administration’s achievements over the past two and a half years, transformations in education, clean water access, healthcare delivery, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. These tangible milestones, he said, should speak louder than the noise of political detractors.

With humility, the Governor expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the Assembly members. He did not demonize his opponents; instead, he extended an olive branch.

He acknowledged the Speaker as a longtime friend and expressed his confusion over the betrayal, but left the door open for reconciliation.

The Governor pointed out that we are a people who believe in law and order. We’re heading people talking about ill intent to defy Court Order. I assure you that we will impose and enforce the respect of the Law and Court Order, if such need arise

The climax of the event came with the Governor’s announcement of a grand public address scheduled for Friday, 20th June 2025, a moment eagerly anticipated by the people who had come to reaffirm their trust in his leadership.

What took place at the Isiolo County Assembly grounds was not just a rally. It was a testimony to the sacred connection between a leader and the led. In a time when political tides often shift with whispers and rumors, the people of Isiolo stood firm, anchored by the visible progress of their county and the integrity of a governor they love.

In that unity, there was a message to Kenya and beyond: that when leadership is rooted in service and love, the people will not be swayed. They will rise. They will sing. And they will protect what is rightfully theirs.

The tides of politics, much like the forces of nature, are often unpredictable, fierce, and humbling. For Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, the present storm, embodied in the looming threat of impeachment, is not just a challenge but also a divine test, a crucible from which truth and wisdom must emerge.

Though dark clouds gather and the thunder of betrayal echoes close, one thing remains certain: this storm shall pass, and Governor Guyo shall not only emerge victorious, but rise again, stronger, wiser, and more grounded.

Indeed, this impeachment is not the end. It is but a painful beginning of enlightenment. A moment that strips illusions and exposes reality. The greatest wounds, as always, do not come from enemies. They come from those within, the inner circle whose betrayal pierces deeper than any blow from outside. “God save me from my friends; I know my enemies” is not just an old adage, it is now a personal truth. The lesson here is eternal: not all who walk with you are truly for you.

Governor Guyo now stands as yet another victim of deceit, not by strangers, but by those who wore the mask of loyalty. It is a betrayal that stings sharply because it was unexpected, clothed in the comfort of trust. The very post he leaned on, so dependable in appearance, chose the moment of rest and vulnerability to give way. It is a cruel but invaluable revelation.

Yet amidst the shadows of betrayal, the Almighty remains. And it is in that divine companionship that ultimate hope lies. Just like the wise tortoise, who, upon hearing of an ambush planned in its absence, calmly questioned whether the Almighty had not also been present at that very plotting. So too must Governor Guyo draw strength from the certainty that no plan, no conspiracy, escapes God’s knowledge. And if God be for you, no plot, however cleverly devised, shall prevail.

When this storm eventually dies down, when the floodwaters begin to recede and clarity returns, reflection will be essential. This moment calls not just for survival but for transformation. The Governor must take time to sift through the events of the past two and a half years, discerning who stood firm in his darkest hours, and who, when the tides turned, were nowhere to be found. The time for illusions is over.

It is also an opportunity for Governor Guyo to reconnect with those he may have overlooked or taken for granted. The quiet allies, the unwavering supporters who stood in silent solidarity when the tempest came crashing. Somewhere along the way, a disconnect grew between the Governor and his grassroots base.

Whether born of strategic oversight or shifting priorities, that gap must now be bridged. Loyalty, after all, is not just expected, it must be nurtured.

The Governor must also recognize a painful truth: not everyone within his team wishes him well. Some are merely riding the wave of his influence for personal gain; others, from the start, may have harbored intentions of bringing him down. This experience must be the turning point where trust is not just given freely but earned, tested, and proven.

As the winds settle, Governor Guyo will have a choice. To emerge merely as a survivor, or as a renewed leader, unshackled from illusion and empowered by clarity. He must reprioritize his political interest and reassert control over his vision. The time has come to recalibrate, to reassess his inner circle, and to surround himself not with flattery, but with integrity.

The road ahead will not be easy, but it will be purposeful. Governor Guyo’s honesty, which his conspirators underestimated, will be his greatest weapon. The Almighty, who watched silently as plots unfolded, shall now act mightily on his behalf. Victory will not just be political, it will be moral and personal.

When this storm subsides, and indeed it will, Governor Guyo will rise not just as a victor of a political battle, but as a wiser man, a more grounded leader, and a symbol of resilience born not from force, but from faith.

Last evening, political tensions have flared following rumors and insider whispers surrounding an alleged plot to impeach Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo. While such talk has set off waves of excitement among hate agents and stirred unease within the governor’s support base, a deeper analysis reveals that the entire exercise is not only legally formidable but ultimately doomed to fail.

First, it is essential to understand the gravity and complexity of an impeachment process.

Impeaching a sitting governor is not akin to a political sideshow, it is a rigorous constitutional undertaking that requires concrete evidence, airtight legal grounds, and a procedural discipline that is hard to manipulate. The threshold is high for a reason: to safeguard the office from being trivialized by vendettas or political theatrics.

The murmurs against Governor Guyo, originating from political insiders who are allegedly threatened by his leadership and influence, reflect more fear than fact. These conspirators, cloaked in power plays and petty rivalries, have underestimated the fortitude of the man they seek to unseat. Governor Abdi Guyo is not a lightweight in the arena of public service or politics. He has weathered storms before and emerged not only intact but stronger. This is not a man easily brushed aside by whispers or signatures gathered in smoky backrooms.

Indeed, for those truly familiar with Governor Guyo’s political journey, his resilience is not up for debate. He is a fighter, firm, focused, and fiercely loyal to the people he serves.

Attempts to derail him through questionable means will be met with an equal, if not greater, force of resistance, both legally and politically. If anything, this plot has merely energized his base, unifying supporters around a leader whose courage under fire is fast becoming his defining trait.

Let us also not ignore the public’s growing awareness of the real motives behind such impeachment charades. The people are watching, and they are not easily fooled. They see through the smokescreen of so-called accountability when it is nothing more than a front for fear-driven sabotage. And as for the legal framework, unless the conspirators can produce unimpeachable evidence of gross misconduct or constitutional violation, a tall order, by any measure, their efforts are nothing more than noise.

The road ahead may indeed be mucky, muddy, and messy. But that is the nature of political warfare, especially when aimed at a determined and principled leader. What is certain, however, is that this attempted impeachment is nothing more than a futile endeavor, an exercise driven more by desperation than by justice.

So to those fanning the flames of this plot, read my lips: this impeachment talk is going nowhere. And Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo is going nowhere, either.

In the world of politics, there will always be voices that thrive on discord. Individuals who feed on conflict, twist narratives, and sow division to gain relevance. These hatepreneurs have made negativity their custom domicile. They disregard facts and nuance, choosing instead to peddle distortions in pursuit of petty agendas. But Isiolo is awake. The people see through the smokescreen, and the region is moving forward , with purpose and with unity.

A recent example, during Madsraka day celebration at Oldonyiro grounds, highlights this dynamic. When the Speaker made a general observation that, since devolution, many leaders have talked the talk but failed to walk it, especially in terms of tangible development in Isiolo, it was a fair and reflective point. Yet the hate agents pounced, willfully ignoring the Speaker’s subsequent clarification, that the current Assembly has taken their roles anotch higher, hence launched groundbreaking initiatives like “BUNGE MASHINANI”, which takes legislative sessions directly to the grassroots. This model ensures that local communities have a direct voice in setting development priorities.  Priorities that are then passed on to the Executive for implementation.

Rather than recognize this democratic stride, detractors have chosen to spin a tale of division. They have as well misinterpreted the Speaker’s commendation of Governor Abdi Guyo’s political maturity,  especially in extending an olive branch to his former rival, Godana Adi Doyo, as evidence of an impending fractures in leadership. In truth, the Speaker’s remarks were a celebration of political evolution. He praised the Governor’s inclusive leadership style, a rare quality in a political climate often marred by grudges and rivalry.

The Speaker’s point was clear; politics is a game of interests that can momentarily pit allies against each other. But true leadership lies in rising above personal ambition to unite for the greater good.

The reference to poitical differences that could as well crop up between close allies, such as the Governor and himself, or the Governor and the Women Representative, was not a prediction of fallout but a recognition that mature politics is built on flexibility, dialogue, and reconciliation.

Even as the Speaker acknowledges the complexities of emerging political alignments , including his own senatorial ambitions, which may intersect with those of other prominent figures, such as Doyo’s  he emphasizes that these are normal dynamics in any evolving democracy. The next election is still far off, and negotiations, realignments, and strategic shifts are part and parcel of the political process. To twist this into a narrative of rupture is disingenuous.

Moreover, it would be illogical, even absurd,  to suggest that the Speaker would condemn a government in which he plays a central role. As head of the Legislative wing, he is deeply embedded in the regime’s architecture. Any self-incriminating statement would undermine his own institution. Yet the hatepreneurs insist on misreading his remarks, seemingly without applying the very critical reasoning they so boldly claim to possess.

Let the record speak plainly: the current administration has achieved tangible progress. Governor Guyo’s proud declaration ,  that every ward has benefited from at least ten visible, touchable development projects in just two years, is backed by visible, touchable, and observable evidence. Whether in health, water, education, Food security, or infrastructure, Isiolo is undergoing a profound transformation and that is for a fact.

This transformation should be cause for unity and celebration. But instead, some choose to blindfold themselves with cynicism.

Their refusal to acknowledge progress is not just a failure of vision , it is an act of deliberate sabotage against a people who deserve better.

Isiolo has grown. Its people are politically conscious, informed, and resilient. They understand that political maturity means embracing diversity of thought, overcoming past differences, and working collectively toward shared goals. The outdated playbook of division and suspicion has lost its sting.

Let us, therefore, treat the merchants of negativity with the contempt they deserve. Their spin, speculation, and conspiracy theories cannot dim the light of progress. Isiolo is rising, and no amount of noise can silence the truth.

National holidays such as Madaraka Day carry immense symbolic and practical significance. They offer moments for collective reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment to the country’s founding ideals. When thoughtfully localized, these celebrations can also become powerful catalysts for inclusion, integration, and grassroots development. In a bold and commendable move, Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, widely known as Abdi Guyo or Guyo Kayole, has advanced this vision by relocating this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations to the suburban town of Oldonyiro in Isiolo County.

This follows a strategic pattern set in the previous two years of his tenure, during which similar national holidays were celebrated in Garbatula and Merti, respectively.

These deliberate choices signal more than a change in venue; they reflect a deep and thoughtful strategy aimed at uniting the people of Isiolo County while equitably distributing the benefits of governance.

Isiolo, renowned for its rich cosmopolitan diversity, has already earned national recognition for its inclusive governance, ranking seventh among Kenya’s 47 counties in terms of diversified opportunities in County employment. This achievement is a testament to the progressive leadership and vision guiding the county.

The decision to host a major national event in Oldonyiro is a continuation of that inclusive ethos, an effort to ensure that every part of the county feels acknowledged and invested in.

Oldonyiro, often overlooked in mainstream development discourse, stands to gain significantly from this historic event. The celebration not only brings immediate economic activity to the town but also serves as a valuable platform to spotlight its cultural richness, local talent, and investment potential. Such visibility is instrumental in attracting both public and private interest, laying the groundwork for long-term development and transformation.

More importantly, this move reinforces a critical message: development must not be centralized in urban hubs alone. Governor Guyo’s administration is demonstrating a deep commitment to equitable growth by decentralizing key county functions and events.
This strategy aligns closely with the spirit of Kenya’s devolution framework, which seeks to bring services and opportunities closer to the people.

Governor Abdi Guyo has consistently shown himself to be a leader for all, one who listens, includes, and acts with the interests of the entire county at heart. His decision to rotate national celebrations across different sub-counties sends a powerful message of unity, equity, and strategic foresight. It reassures every resident, from the urban center to the most remote village, that they are seen, heard, and integral to the county’s collective progress.

Relocating the Madaraka Day celebration to Oldonyiro therefore marks a pivotal step in promoting inclusive governance, national cohesion, and regional development. Governor Guyo’s leadership exemplifies how localized, people-centered strategies can yield far-reaching benefits. Through such visionary initiatives, Isiolo County is not just commemorating independence, it is embodying it, by empowering every corner of the county to rise and thrive together.

Power is a sacred trust. When granted by the will of the people and elevated by the divine hand of the Almighty, it ought to be wielded with humility, accountability, and a commitment to the greater good. However, history is replete with tales of leaders who, upon tasting power, forget the very source of their elevation. They assume the role of demigods, rewriting their narratives to erase those who paved their paths. The story of Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo is one such tale—of betrayal, obsession with control, and a relentless war against progress.

From the outset, her trajectory was made possible through the political goodwill and backing of those she would later antagonize. Former Isiolo Senator and Governor Mohamed Abdi Kuti was instrumental in her political rise, playing a pivotal role in her journey to the Senate. Yet, in a classic tale of the ladder being kicked away once the summit is reached, Senator Dullo repaid his support with a campaign of hostility. She not only opposed him but fought him with such vengeance that she forced him out of politics entirely, making him her first casualty in a long line of political takedowns.

Her style of leadership has, over time, revealed a pattern—one that is less about representation and more about relentless opposition. Ever since the inception of devolution, she has stood in direct confrontation with every devolved regime that has held power in Isiolo. Be it Governor Doyo, Dr. Kuti, or the current Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, Senator Dullo’s default posture has been resistance. Her leadership has followed a narrow path: it’s either her way or no way at all.

The irony is most glaring when reviewing the transformative projects that have taken shape across Isiolo over the past decade. These initiatives, aimed at improving livelihoods and cementing the region’s strategic role in national development, have drawn praise from various quarters, except, conspicuously, from Senator Dullo. The Community Health Volunteer project, the State of the Art Accident & Emergency Center, The ICU/  HDU units at the Isiolo Referral Hospital, the bustling Isiolo Livestock Market, the pivotal Isiolo-Mandera Highway, the revived giant Export Abattoir, The Isiolo Market, the County Headquarters, the near doubling of Boreholes sunk and operationalized, the Isiolo Stadium, and the KMTC—all these milestones have been met with silence, cynicism, or sabotage from her camp.

Not once has the Senator stood to celebrate the fruits of these developments. Instead, she has made it her mission to poke holes, fuel speculation, and spin conspiracy theories about these projects, leading many to wonder whether her mandate is to represent the people or to run a personal fault-finding crusade.

Her criticism no longer seems rooted in constructive oversight, but in a determined effort to undermine others and clear the path for her own political ambition.

Recent actions have further exposed a troubling disregard for professional and ethical boundaries. Senator Dullo has broken protocol and public service norms by illegally accessing and circulating confidential county payrolls on social media, breaching the privacy of hundreds of civil servants. Even worse, she has used Senate platforms to discuss and attack individual public servants who are neither elected nor afforded the chance to defend themselves in such forums—an abuse of power that reeks of bullying and personal vendetta.

Adding fuel to the fire, she has assembled a digital squad tasked with furthering the hate narrative while trolling and intimidating critics on social media. This orchestrated harassment has turned her critics and even neutral stakeholders into targets of online smear campaigns, making public discourse in Isiolo not just toxic but dangerous.

At this critical juncture, Isiolo is at the mercy of a leadership style that many have come to view as beastly, devoid of empathy, allergic to collaboration, and obsessed with control. While critique and oversight are vital in any democracy, the Senator’s consistent hostility towards progress, civil servants, and fellow leaders threatens to derail the very foundation of devolution and public service.

Only divine intervention, it seems, can deliver Isiolo from this political stranglehold. The people of Isiolo deserve a unifying voice, not a disruptive force. They need a visionary, not a vigilante. And most of all, they require a leader who remembers not just where they came from, but who helped them get there.

Isiolo deserves a leadership that appreciates and fear the Almighty and focus on service delivery within their mandate rather than a leader focussed to deny the population their deserving progression owing to their obsessive ambitions.

Only then can the dream of Isiolo’s true transformation be fully realized.

Jn the annals of democratic governance, institutions such as the Senate are vested with immense responsibility: oversight, accountability, and the pursuit of justice through lawful and fair means.

However, when such platforms are weaponized for personal vendettas and political grandstanding, they lose not only their purpose but also the trust of the public. The recent developments in Isiolo County paint a troubling picture, one where individual civil servants have become scapegoats in a deteriorating political witch hunt that no longer seeks truth, but revenge.

Senator Fatuma Dulo’s relentless attacks on the leadership of the Isiolo County Government have gradually transitioned from issue-based criticism to an unhealthy obsession with fault-finding.

With Senate Committees failing to provide grounds strong enough to implicate the County Governor, the political crusade appears to have shifted focus, from challenging policy to targeting the individuals who work within the county administration.

No one is spared in this new phase! Not the clerical staff, not the administrators, not even the lowest-ranked messengers. The scrutiny has become personal and invasive. Instances such as the public exposure of the County payroll and the unlawful rummaging through private personnel files betray not only a lack of respect for institutional boundaries, but also a blatant disregard for constitutional protections, including the right to privacy under Article 31 of the Constitution of Kenya.

Moreover, dragging names of county employees through Senate proceedings and public platforms, without affording them the right to be heard or defend themselves, reflects a deeper malaise: the decay of due process. The Senator’s persistent questioning of appointments, duties, and office roles is not driven by a desire for reform, but seemingly by a bitter determination to bring down individuals who have neither the voice nor the shield to counter such political fire.

What makes this campaign even more alarming is its theatrical nature, driven as much by traditional platforms as it is by social media. Here, facts are secondary to narratives, and personal attacks masquerade as accountability.

The so-called ‘oversight’ has thus degenerated into a tool of intimidation—a strategy employed by a politician rapidly losing grip on her influence and relevance within the Isiolo political landscape.

In many ways, this targeted harassment bears resemblance to a wounded predator lashing out at anything within reach, a final, desperate flurry of strikes before collapse. The civil servants of Isiolo, many of whom are apolitical and service-oriented, are caught in this crossfire, unable to defend themselves within the elevated confines of the Senate or in the charged arenas of public opinion.

Governance must be rooted in justice, guided by evidence, and executed with impartiality. When personal vendettas masquerade as oversight, the result is not accountability. It is oppression. It is imperative that constitutional institutions remain sanctuaries of reason, not tools of destruction.

In these turbulent times, one can only appeal to the conscience of the nation and the grace of the Almighty Allah to shield the innocent and vulnerable from the machinery of political vengeance. Public servants deserve dignity, and justice must not become the victim of political ambition.

The traces of autocracy lingering within modern Kenyan politics often have their roots deep in the authoritarian structures of the past. A case in point is Senator Fatuma Dulo, whose leadership style and political conduct are strongly reminiscent of the Moi era Provincial Administration, a system known not for its service to the people, but for the unchecked power and aristocratic authority it vested in state agents.

Senator Dulo’s journey through the ranks of the Provincial Administration, where she served as a District Officer, shaped her worldview and leadership ethos.

The Moi era was marked by a centralization of power where Provincial Commissioners, District Officers, Chiefs, and Administration Police operated with impunity.

These administrators acted more like colonial overlords than public servants, enforcing the will of the executive through intimidation and control rather than dialogue and democratic consensus.

This legacy of autocracy manifests today in Dulo’s confrontational and domineering approach to politics. Her continued conflict with County Governments in Isiolo, is a clear sign that she has not shed the high-handedness that characterized her formative years in public service.

For her, leadership seems less about representation and consensus-building, and more about control and unilateral directives.

But Dulo is not alone in this struggle to transition from administration to democracy. Others who emerged from the same system, such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, have also faced challenges in adjusting to the more participatory nature of elective politics. Gachagua, often found himself alienated from his political peers due to his combative style. Natembeya too, occasionally clashes with democratic norms, reflecting the ingrained habits of top-down governance.

In Isiolo, Senator Dulo’s attempts to impose her will on Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Abdi Guyo, have been met with stiff resistance. Unlike many who might have yielded to such political pressure, Guyo is a seasoned politician molded in the crucible of Nairobi’s turbulent City County politics. His time in Nairobi with formidable political figures, sometimes brushing shoulders with the likes of Mike Sonko and Beatrice Elachi,  has equipped him with the tenacity and experience to stand his ground.

Rather than being derailed by the Senator’s tactics, Governor Guyo has thrived. Her attempts to distract and dominate have instead provided him a platform to demonstrate resolve and vision, propelling Isiolo County forward in spite of political headwinds. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Senator’s style—anchored in an obsolete administrative philosophy—has no place in a democratic county governance system.

In conclusion, the Moi-era Provincial Administration bred a class of leaders who viewed authority as a means of dominance rather than service. As Kenya continues to embrace devolution and participatory governance, such relics of the past are being challenged by a new generation of leaders who prioritize collaboration over coercion. Senator Dulo’s confrontational politics may have once commanded compliance, but in today’s political landscape, they only serve to highlight a failure to adapt, and in Isiolo, the people are watching, and choosing progress over tyranny.

Leadership is not a decorative title to be worn in public functions or a ladder to personal acclaim. Rather, it is a solemn responsibility—a duty to serve, to uplift, and to remain steadfast in both word and deed. This essential distinction between authentic servant leadership and political pretendership becomes particularly evident in the contrasting styles of two Isiolo County leaders: Governor Abdi Guyo and Senator Fatuma Dulo.

Senator Fatuma Dulo, entrusted with the mandate to advocate for her constituents, recently offered a stark example of leadership inconsistency. Just two weeks prior, she dismissed the idea of initiating a Senator’s Cup, citing rampant drug abuse and criminality among the youth—a statement that not only signaled defeatism but also betrayed a lack of faith in the very people she represents. Yet, in a turn of political theater during a visit by Salim Mvurya, the same senator claimed she was actively pushing for a stadium project and was deeply concerned about youth welfare. Such contradictions suggest not a change of heart, but rather a reactive, opportunistic approach to leadership. This style, which relies on shifting narratives and performative concern, epitomizes pretendership: leadership as performance rather than purpose.

In stark contrast, Governor Abdi Guyo has consistently exemplified servant leadership. His leadership model centers on tangible action, sincere engagement, and sustainable empowerment. His launch of the Governor’s Cup last year was not a publicity stunt but a deliberate effort to provide youth with a constructive outlet through sports. Beyond that symbolic act, his administration has delivered real, measurable change: sponsoring local youth to participate in national football competitions, supplying sports kits across the county, and distributing critical tools and assets—including motorcycles, Tuktuks, Nissans, and vocational kits—to support income-generating ventures.

Governor Guyo’s strategy of reinvesting profits from initial government support to purchase more community assets shows a visionary approach grounded in sustainability. His capacity to rally over 50 million shillings through community harambees in Burat and Ngaremara further illustrates his unifying leadership. Most significantly, the upcoming Youth and Women Empowerment Fund Bill stands as a testament to his foresight—ensuring that empowerment is not episodic, but institutionalized and enduring.

While the County Government has undertaken expansive playfield renovations across wards such as Wabera, Bullapesa, Sericho, Merti, Kipsing, and Kinna, the Senator has yet to match such commitment with a coherent, action-based agenda. Her interventions appear more as reactive responses to public scrutiny than proactive plans born from conviction.

Ultimately, the contrast between Governor Guyo and Senator Dulo is not merely political—it is philosophical. One leads by serving, investing in the long-term betterment of his constituents, particularly youth and women. The other navigates leadership as a spectacle, adapting her message to the moment, often at the expense of credibility.

In conclusion, servant leadership is measured not by applause or appearances, but by the tangible, consistent betterment of people’s lives. Governor Abdi Guyo’s work is a blueprint for true leadership—one rooted in integrity, action, and sustainable empowerment. In contrast, Senator Dulo’s inconsistencies underscore the pitfalls of pretendership, where leadership is reduced to slogans and fleeting performances. Isiolo County, like any society striving for progress, deserves leaders who not only speak for the people but also act unwaveringly in their service.