Isiolo, Kenya – Wednesday, July 24, 2025 : A police operation to recover Isiolo County government vehicles from ousted Speaker Mohamed Roba turned chaotic on Tuesday afternoon, leading to violent clashes with youth, the burning of a tow truck, and injuries to police officers.
The officers had gone to Roba’s residence in Isiolo town to reclaim three vehicles allegedly held illegally. These include a Toyota Land Cruiser VXL believed to bear unauthorized number plates and two additional 4×4 units parked in the basement.
Police reports indicate that a team of eight officers was tasked with the recovery.
Roba Accused of Holding Public Vehicles Illegally
Mohamed Roba was recently impeached as Isiolo County Speaker in a controversial process. Following his removal, he allegedly refused to surrender government property, violating provisions of the County Governments Act which mandates the return of all public assets by outgoing officials.
According to the Council of Governors, failure to return government vehicles has been a widespread issue among former county leaders.
Chaos Erupts as Roba Arrives with Youths
The situation escalated when Roba allegedly arrived with a group of young men who confronted the officers. The youths demanded the police leave the compound, and soon after, began throwing stones at the officers.
“One officer fired a warning shot in the air as the group turned violent,” a police source told local reporters.
The outnumbered officers withdrew and called for reinforcements.
Tow Truck Set on Fire During Clashes
When backup units arrived, they discovered a tow truck—used for the vehicle recovery—had been set ablaze and severely damaged. Police suspect the fire was started during the withdrawal.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since launched a probe to identify those responsible for the attack and arson. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been made.
Political Tensions Continue in Isiolo County
This latest incident highlights the ongoing political instability in Isiolo County, especially following Roba’s impeachment. Analysts suggest that disputes over public resources may escalate if not handled with transparency and strong governance.
According to Transparency International Kenya, accountability in the use and return of public assets remains a key weakness in Kenya’s devolved units.
The situation also reflects growing tension between enforcement officers and political actors. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has urged calm and reminded the public of the importance of respecting law enforcement.
