Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti Drops Re-election Bid, Retires from Politics Due to Ill Health

Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti says he will not seek to defend his seat in the August 9th general elections.

Kuti made the announcement on Saturday during a meeting with Sakuye community elders, citing health reasons.

The 58-year-old also announced his official retirement from active politics and endorsed Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Guyo as his preferred successor.

Guyo, who has served as Matopeni/Spring Valley MCA for 15 years, had previously declared interest in the Embakasi Central MP seat. 

He will vie for the Isiolo gubernatorial seat on a Jubilee party ticket and is likely to face former governor Godana Doyo, former EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo, among others.

Kuti, a surgeon by profession, previously served as the senator for Isiolo county for one term from 2013 to 2017, and MP for Isiolo North Constituency for 10 years between 2003 and 2013. He also held the positions of Minister for Youth Affairs in 2005 and Minister for Livestock from 2008 to 2013.

Kuti told Daily Nation that he has been ailing since December last.

“I have consequently dropped my re-election quest. You see, time (to kick off campaigns) is running out, and because I am leaving the political scene. We must bring in other leaders for continuity,” he said.