Elisha Ongoya Makes Senate Comeback for Impeached Isiolo Governor

Elisha Ongoya Makes Senate Comeback for Impeached Isiolo Governor

Elisha Ongoya, a well-known lawyer and university leader, has returned to the Senate for another high-profile impeachment hearing.

Ongoya received national attention for his persuasive legal arguments during the impeachment proceedings against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

He will return to the Senate chambers, this time as the defence counsel for Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo.

Starting Tuesday, Ongoya will represent Governor Guyo, who is facing impeachment after the Isiolo County Assembly voted a no-confidence motion last month.

Ongoya’s return to the Senate is expected to get a lot of public attention, considering his history of making legal processes into televised courtroom seminars.

Observers will be watching intently to see if Ongoya’s return will tip the scales in Guyo’s favor, as his political future hangs in the balance due to rising pressure from both county authorities and the public.

Ongoya will oversee the team of counsels, collaborating closely with Eric Theuri (former LSK President).

County Assembly of Isiolo did not sit on June, 18, 2025 to hear an impeachment motion against Governor Abdi- lawyer Elisha Ongoya. #HomeOfHardTruths pic.twitter.com/Cpr4YOkAhv
— Radio Generation (@RadioGenKe) July 8, 2025

Others include Elias Mutuma, Tally Israel, Mercilino Leisagor, Miriam Rebbecca, and five others, including the team’s legal assistants.

During Gachagua’s impeachment procedures, Ongoya catapulted to national notoriety, capturing Kenyans’ attention with his incisive legal wit and commanding courtroom appearance.

He famously confronted Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna Mutuse, the sponsor of the impeachment resolution, in a series of heated cross-examinations that soon went viral.

Clips from the sessions highlighted Ongoya’s excellent speech and probing questioning.

They were widely shared on social media, with many Kenyans transforming the courtroom conversations into comedic skits, memes, and TikTok reenactments.

His performance not only increased public interest in the hearings but also cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most formidable legal minds.

Guyo, who is facing various allegations, appeared in court on Tuesday to defend himself.

This includes a flagrant violation of the Constitution for allegedly failing to deliver the yearly address to the County Assembly for three consecutive years.

The governor is also accused of leading a bloated county staff by adding 36 advisors and other senior executives without the approval of the County Public Service Board.

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Some of the appointments are alleged to be without legal backing or approval from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Furthermore, the governor is accused of mismanaging the county’s bursary system, with over Ksh30 million being unaccounted for and funds not being dispersed equitably and transparently.

Governor Guyo appeared before the Senate and pleaded not guilty to all of the accusations leveled against him.

The Senate is due to vote on Thursday, July 10, after hearing final comments, to decide whether Governor Guyo will continue in office or be ousted.

Elisha Ongoya Makes Senate Comeback for Impeached Isiolo Governor