Don’t threaten us with poaching claims: Isiolo governor Guyo hits back to Gachagua

Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has vehemently denied allegations from Democracy for Citizens’ Party Leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused him, President William Ruto, and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of being involved in livestock theft and security issues in the region. During a public address on Sunday, August 30, 2026, Governor Guyo dismissed these claims as political maneuvering, urging Gachagua to stop using security and poaching issues to intimidate local leaders and sway voter decisions.

Just before his upcoming trip to the United States, Gachagua claimed that Governor Guyo and Health CS Aden Duale were implicated in cattle theft, asserting that they were orchestrating the theft and sale of residents' cattle via the Kenya Medical Research Council (KMC). Governor Guyo questioned the timing and genuineness of Gachagua's newfound focus on regional security and banditry, pointing out that Gachagua, despite being a former Deputy President, failed to address these long-standing issues during his previous tenure.

He further called on Gachagua to cease using banditry and stock theft as political leverage against leaders supporting the current administration. Beyond refuting the security allegations, Governor Guyo reaffirmed the political allegiance of Isiolo County to the current national leadership, dismissing rival political factions that seek to garner support in the region.

He declared that the county will decisively back President William Ruto’s administration and its political structure, projecting a substantial vote share for the President in upcoming elections. Governor Guyo also emphasized the unity of the local community, stating that the majority of the residents are aligned with a single clan and that Isiolo residents stand together in support of their leaders.

In his concluding remarks, the Isiolo Governor outlined a long-term political strategy for the region, endorsing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as a potential future political leader following President Ruto’s tenure.