The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Isiolo Governor Ibrahim Abdi Hassan, popularly known as Guyo, and seven co-accused individuals. The charges are of the gravest nature: kidnapping with intent to cause grievous harm and robbery with violence. This decisive action, announced in a statement by the DPP, follows a detailed inquiry and marks a significant moment in the country's ongoing battle for political accountability and the rule of law.
The allegations stem from a disturbing incident that unfolded at the Outbark Hotel in Maanzoni, Machakos County. According to the inquiry file reviewed by the DPP, the former Isiolo County Chief Officer of Health, Abdirahaman Mohamed, was at the hotel with 15 Members of County Assembly who were aligned with a group seeking the Governor's impeachment. The serene atmosphere of the hotel was allegedly shattered when Governor Guyo and his supporters stormed the venue, transforming a political disagreement into a violent confrontation.
The statement from the DPP paints a harrowing picture. It is alleged that, under the Governor's direct instructions, his team forcibly disarmed and attacked Abdirahaman before bundling him into a vehicle and kidnapping him. During the ordeal, the former Chief Officer was reportedly threatened, beaten, and blindfolded before being abandoned in the Ruai Sewage area. The incident wasn't just an act of violence; it was also a robbery. Abdirahaman was robbed of his licensed Glock pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition, an iPhone 16, Ksh.70,000 in cash, and other personal belongings. This brazen act of alleged violence, now captured in a public directive, has brought a highly sensitive political dispute into the criminal justice arena.
Crucial to the case is the evidence that led to the DPP’s firm directive. The inquiry file, submitted by the DCI's Kiyumbi office, was deemed to be of significant public interest and was referred to the headquarters in Nairobi for a comprehensive review. CCTV footage from the hotel is reported to be key, allegedly placing Governor Guyo and his co-accused at the scene of the crime. This digital evidence provides a compelling foundation for the charges, removing the incident from the realm of political hearsay and anchoring it in a court of law. The DPP has now tasked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with apprehending the suspects and presenting them before a court of law to face the charges.
