There was drama at the Isiolo County Assembly on Wednesday, June 18, following a tense standoff between Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and individuals alleged to be armed goons.
Images and videos of the incident showed tens of civilians flocking outside the County Assembly premises, barraging the gates while demanding the exit of unnamed persons.
Kenyans.co.ke has since learnt that at the time of the incident, MCAs had made their way to the County Assembly to conduct their day's business.
However, proceedings were disrupted when a large group of unidentified individuals, some bearing weapons, were spotted attempting to gain access to the chamber.
In one of the videos of the incident, which is gaining traction on social media, a resident can be heard saying, "They must leave today. We cannot accept this."
Inside the County Assembly, MCAs present were left in a panic, with some accusing Governor Abdi Guyo of hiring goons to intimidate them and halt proceedings.
As the situation escalated, MCAs resorted to filming videos, claiming they were being held hostage inside the County Assembly by hired goons.
"County Assembly is under attack. Goons have been sent by goons. We are at risk. MCAs, we are hidden inside. They are armed. If anyone gets harmed, just know our security has been compromised," one MCA was heard saying.
The drama unfolded just a day after a planned public participation on the proposed impeachment of Governor Guyo was cancelled. The cancellation followed a High Court conservatory order halting a planned impeachment by Members of the County Assembly.
In a crucial ruling, Justice Heston Nyaga stated that an affidavit filed by the governor's team raised substantive issues that warranted judicial intervention.
Since the filing of the impeachment motion against the governor, several MCAs have raised concerns about their safety, with some relocating from Isiolo to Nakuru and later to Machakos ahead of the public participation exercise.
Burat MCA Nicholas Lorot claimed on Sunday that some County Assembly members were allegedly being trailed by vehicles carrying armed individuals while in transit from Nakuru to Machakos.
