A Nyeri court has reinstated Isiolo County Assembly Clerk Salad Boru Guracha, halting attempts to replace him amid political tensions over efforts to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo.
Justice Onesmus Makau of the Nyeri Employment and Labour Relations Court granted temporary orders barring any person from assuming the clerk’s duties until the case is heard on Tuesday, June 25.
“The application is certified urgent, and an interim injunction is granted in terms of Order 2 in the motion pending inter-partes hearing,” said Makau.
The ruling follows a petition by Guracha, who argued he was unlawfully removed by the County Assembly Service Board, chaired by Speaker Mohamed Roba, after he cancelled a public participation exercise linked to the governor’s impeachment.
Guracha claimed the board never met to approve his suspension and cited an affidavit from a board member, Abdi Sora Balla, who confirmed no such decision was made.
“The Honourable Court be pleased to grant an ex-parte conservatory order to preserve the office of the Clerk of the County Assembly of Isiolo and prevent any other person from discharging its functions pending the hearing and determination of the application,” read Guracha’s court filing.
The board sent Guracha on compulsory leave on Sunday, June 16, citing administrative grounds. However, he argued the move violated Section 22 of the County Assembly Services Act, which only permits suspension for reasons such as gross misconduct, bankruptcy, or inability to perform duties.
Tensions between Governor Guyo and Speaker Roba have escalated in recent weeks, with Guracha caught in the middle. On Tuesday, Guracha cancelled planned public forums on the impeachment process, citing an earlier court order that halted the proceedings.
“Notice is hereby issued that the County Assembly of Isiolo, in compliance with the above court order, has cancelled the Public Participation exercise slated for 18th June, 2025, in various wards within Isiolo County,” said Guracha in a public notice.
The Isiolo High Court had earlier issued conservatory orders suspending the impeachment motion filed on Monday, June 10, by Sericho Ward MCA Abubakar Godana. All 18 MCAs supported the motion, which accused Guyo of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and constitutional violations.
Justice Heston Nyaga, who issued the order halting the governor’s impeachment, directed the Assembly to serve all documents to the petitioner within 48 hours and allowed time for both parties to respond.
The governor had moved to court accusing the Assembly and the Speaker of violating procedures. The impeachment process stalled after chaos erupted in the Assembly chambers.
