The Governor of Marsabit, in an unwarranted rage, ranted in front of the Head of State, pushing a false narrative that he will now focus on Isiolo. His remarks are laughable, coming from a leader whose tenure has been marked by poor governance and misappropriation of funds. He continues to face hostility from Marsabit residents, with little to show for his second term in office. Shockingly, despite receiving over Kshs. 30 billion since 2017, his leadership has delivered minimal progress.
It is crucial to remind the Governor that Kenya’s Constitution introduced devolution. Article 176 clearly states that each county shall have its own government. Furthermore, this article mandates counties to decentralize their functions and service delivery. The Marsabit Governor must recognize that the Constitution limits him to operating within his county’s borders. His attempt to interfere in Isiolo affairs should be seen as a blatant violation of his constitutional role.
The Governor took office in 2017, succeeding Ukur Yattani, who had made significant progress in infrastructure development. Under Ukur’s leadership, Marsabit saw the establishment of a county headquarters, two referral hospitals, over 50 boreholes, a four-story modern market, a stadium, and several health centers. In contrast, Governor Abshiro has failed to initiate any meaningful development as he nears the end of his final term. Today, Marsabit is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, including an impending graft case at the EACC.
Recently, the Governor struggled to explain the expenditure of Kshs. 8.2 billion during a Senate County Public Accounts Committee session. The Auditor General has repeatedly issued adverse opinions on Marsabit County’s financial management. As a result of misused funds, the county is no longer eligible for the Kenya Devolution Support Program. Among the serious financial irregularities are inaccuracies in cash balances totaling Kshs. 834 million, unsupported receipts of Kshs. 107 million, an overstatement of financial statements by Kshs. 2.5 billion, and unaccounted expenditure on goods and services amounting to Kshs. 738 million.
In a recent raid, EACC detectives arrested the Marsabit Governor over the loss of Kshs. 6.3 billion between 2017 and 2024. Burqa Ventures, a company under investigation, allegedly received millions in questionable transactions. The EACC report highlights procurement irregularities, conflicts of interest, and the use of proxies. The Governor’s wife and his aide are also under scrutiny. Pressure is mounting on him to account for public funds meant to uplift Marsabit residents.
At a time when Marsabit residents desperately need essential services, the Governor is instead fixated on destabilizing Isiolo County. He must focus on his own county and avoid unnecessary confrontations with Governor Guyo, who, in under two years, has achieved what he failed to do in nearly eight years.
Ali Edin is a socio-political commentator from Isiolo.
