By Betty Luke
A week ago, Isiolo Governor Mohammed Kuti dropped his reelection bid and announced for the third time during his 20-year political career an exit from politics.
The Governor who has never lost an elective seat from 2002 when he was first elected Isiolo North MP also endorsed Nairobi Majority Leader Abdi Ibrahim Guyo as his preferred successor citing health concerns.
Though not different from previous script in 2011 and 2016 where he announced an exit from politics but went ahead and vied in subsequent elections, majority of residents were last month somewhat convinced that the veteran politician had indeed hanged his boots.
During the Sakuye community meeting in Nanyuki where Mr Guyo was installed as an elder, the Governor looked somewhat weak as he announced the unexpected move.
Surprisingly, by the time he went public on his intention to have the Matopeni MCA take over from him, Mr Guyo had already paid the Jubilee party nomination fee despite having earlier declared interest in Embakasi Central MP seat.
Sources earlier revealed that the decision was prompted by Dr Kuti’s deteriorating health and that the initial plan was to bring in Mr Guyo after the Governor finished his second term in 2027.
But residents have started casting doubts on the Governor’s genuiness.
Two days after Mr Guyo said that the Governor had gone to seek medication outside the country, the county boss accompanied him to meet Samburu elders.
Mr Guyo spoke at Rangelands after the Amerus endorsed him for the governorship where he unveiled his deputy from the community.
Residents took to social media to accuse the Governor of deceiving the public saying had he been sick as he claimed, he wouldn’t have attended the meeting.
“At one time he is in US then boom, he appears in a meeting looking okay. Who’s fooling who?” One of the netizens posed.
Another Safia Mohammed said had the Governor been sick, he would have taken a break and focused on his recovery and not that soon.
“Things have happened so fast not be trusted… I would not be shocked to hear him say he is now okay and ready to seek a reelection,” she said.
Others believe Dr Kuti is just acting strong to encourage his supporters and support Mr Guyo’s campaigns.
Governor Kuti had earlier said he will after recovery join Mr Guyo in his campaigns and appealed to residents to listen out to him and support his bid as was most suitable to replace him and advance his unity agenda.
