Court halts arrest of Isiolo Governor Ibrahim “Guyo” Hassan in kidnapping probe

Kiambu, Kenya — 2025-09-05 EAT.

The High Court in Kiambu issued a conservatory order preventing the arrest, harassment or charging of Isiolo Governor Ibrahim “Guyo” Hassan and six co-accused in connection with a June 19 kidnapping and robbery case.

The Latest

• Justice Dorah Chepkwony, sitting during recess, granted the order on a petition filed August 26, labeling the matter urgent. The respondents—DCI and ODPP—are barred from arresting or charging the governor and others until further court direction. 

• Hearing is scheduled for September 24, with parties required to file submissions within seven days each. 

Context in Brief

• The petitioners seek to halt prosecution tied to an alleged abduction of ex-Isiolo health chief Abdirahaman Mohamed at Outbark Hotel, Machakos, by Governor Guyo and associates amid impeachment tensions. 

• The DPP had issued arrest orders for Guyo and seven others over allegations of kidnapping, robbery with violence—based in part on CCTV evidence linking them to the scene. 

Law, Policy, and Process

• Legal instrument: Conservatory orders protect petitioners pending full hearing and decision.

• Process: Case certified as urgent; submissions due within seven days; full hearing set for September 24.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Governor Guyo’s position: He dismissed ODPP’s arrest directive as politically motivated, reiterating the high court’s intervention as protective of due process and his governing mandate. 

• No official responses yet from DPP or DCI in this coverage.

Evidence & Data

• Timeline:

  • June 19: Incident alleged at Outbark Hotel.

  • August 26: Petition filed.

  • September 5: High Court issues conservatory order.

  • September 24: Full hearing scheduled.

• Incident details:

  • Accused: Governor Guyo plus Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticah, Dade Boru, Abdirashid Ali Diba (Ngila), Abdinur Dima Jiilo, Ahmed Duale, Josephat Mwangi Komu, Yusuf Maina.

  • Allegation: Kidnapping, assault, robbery with CCTV footage placing them at scene.

Risks and Implications

• Legal: Delay in prosecution raises issues of accountability versus procedural safeguards.

• Governance: Reputational and political risk for the governor and county administration.

• Public trust: Court’s action underlines tension between swift justice and the right to fair hearing.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether the court will extend order or lift upon hearing.

• The strength of ODPP’s evidence developed during interim.

• Political fallout or shifts in impeachment dynamics following delay.

Timeline

• 2025-06-19: Alleged kidnapping incident.

• 2025-08-26: Petition filed in Kiambu High Court.

• 2025-09-05: Conservatory order issued.

• 2025-09-24: Scheduled hearing of petition.

What to Watch

• September court hearing outcomes.

• Any changes in prosecution strategy or new evidence.

• ODPP’s next legal steps post-September.

• Public and political reaction in Isiolo and beyond.