The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised an alarm over the growing insecurity in Isiolo County, warning of illegal firearms infiltration and the alleged involvement of foreign mercenaries in escalating violence.
In a statement released on Friday, August 29, NCIC expressed deep concern over the rising wave of political intolerance and insecurity in the county, describing the situation as a profound breakdown of political order that threatens unity among various ethnic groups in the region.
“Over the past few months, the county has witnessed a series of troubling events following the attempted impeachment of sitting Governor Abdi Guyo that have triggered a dangerous wave of violence, vandalism, ethnic incitement, and disruption of peace and cohesion,” the statement reads.
NCIC characterized what is unfolding in Isiolo as a breakdown of political order that risks undermining the entire structure of governance and community trust.
“The Commission has received credible reports of illegal firearms infiltrating the region, the alleged involvement of external mercenaries, the mobilization of criminal gangs, and the misuse of public resources to finance politically motivated violence,” NCIC added.
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The security concerns arise against the backdrop of recent political turmoil in the county. Governor Abdi Guyo recently survived an impeachment attempt when the Senate upheld his defense against charges brought by the County Assembly.
The Senate voted 31 to 12 to uphold Guyo's objections regarding the procedural validity of assembly sittings held in June to debate his removal.
The impeachment motion had been based on allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and constitutional violations.
Guyo faced accusations of stalling development projects, failing to meet revenue targets, and creating administrative bloat by appointing 36 advisors and 31 chief officers despite Isiolo receiving among the lowest revenue allocations nationally.
In response the Commission has called for the DCI to fast-track investigations into allegations of gang arming, illegal firearm infiltration, and misuse of devolved funds for political purposes.
“The Commission recommends the immediate convening of dialogue among leaders from Isiolo and all the other interested parties. These engagements should foster mutual understanding, promote non-interference in governance processes, and encourage peaceful coexistence,” NCIC noted.
