Isiolo MCAs dismiss claims of irregular budget approval

A section of Isiolo Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) addressing the media in Nairobi.[Japheth Makau/Standard]

Isiolo Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have come out to refute claims of irregularly approving the 2025-2026 budget, terming the allegations "politically motivated."

Through a statement, a section of the MCAs, led by Speaker Abdullahi Banticha and Deputy Speaker David Lemantile, explained that the budget approval process had followed all legal and procedural requirements, and warned residents against being misled by exterior forces with selfish intents.

"I want to urge the people of Isiolo not to be misused. There is nothing as important as peace," said Lemantile.

The Deputy Speaker clarified that the County Assembly had received the 2025-26 Appropriation Bill in line with Section 222(1) of the Standing Orders and approved it after a comprehensive review of its implications on development, investment, employment, and economic growth.

"The Isiolo County Executive is within the law to proceed with the implementation of the approved Appropriation Act, 2025, as gazetted," he stated.

While accusing Isiolo outsiders of fostering incitement to disrupt peace and development, Lemantile emphasised the need for peace ahead of the 2027 polls.

He went on to blame the surging political tensions in Isiolo County on the recent but failed attempt to oust Governor Abdi Hassan. He, however, advocated for peace.

"We don't have any other county to run to. We will remain Isiolo people. Let everyone do their work. If something is not right, there is a legal channel to address it," he observed.

Budget Committee Vice Chairperson Rehema Abdikadir reiterated the Speaker's sentiments, noting that the budget approval process took place within the law and that statements saying the contrary were not true.

"I want to assure the people of Isiolo that the 2025-26 budget passed through the proper legal processes. All steps were followed. Everything was done by the law," she said.

The MCA also urged Isiolo Constituents not to be gullible and fall for propaganda spread by individuals who wanted to stall County operations and service delivery.

"As the vice chair, I can confirm that we followed all due process. The executive submitted the estimates on time, and we went through the entire process diligently. The county must function and continue delivering to the people," she said.

Abdulkadir also explained that the budget had been approved by 9 out of the 18 MCAS, which was above the legal requirement of six MCAS.

"There are those saying that this budget has not passed in the correct manner, but they are not being truthful. The House had a quorum. While some focused on political feuds, we did our job," she averred.

To buttress her point, she highlighted the fact that the Budget Committee and plenary sessions were properly constituted when the budget was approved.

"The process was fair, legal, and procedurally sound. We had the chairman, the vice chairperson, and the necessary quorum in place," reiterated the Budget Vice Chairperson.