Isiolo County Deputy Speaker David Lemantile with other MCAs addressing journalists in Nairobi. The leaders have dismissed claims that the budget was approved illegally, stating that the claims are politically motivated. Photo: Angaaf Radio Facebook.
Drama and supremacy continues in Isiolo County Assembly, with latest tag of war centered on the controversial approved budget of KSh 7.3 billion for the financial year 2025/2026, that was passed without involvement of Members of County Assembly (MCAs)
A section of MCAs led by Deputy Speaker David Lemantile, Mward representative Oldonyiro Ward, dismissed the claims as politically motivated, baseless and misleading.
Adressing the media in Nairobi, Lemantile defended the budget approval process emphasizing that due processes were followed and strictly adhered to. He accused leaders he did not mention of propagating falsehood, with the aim of interfering with peace and development of the county.
“The budget process followed the law to the letter. Let no one mislead the people of Isiolo for their own selfish political gain. We must remain united and focused on service delivery,” he said.
Early this week, a fraction led by Speaker Mohamed Roba, which opposes the leadership of Governor Abdi Guyo, claimed the budget was passed fraudulently MCAs allied to Guyo, without following due process.
According to Lemantile, the accusations are aimed at tainting the county as in a leadership crisis and dysfunctional. He called on residents to be vigilant and avoid propaganda for unrest, aimed to advance individuals political interest.
He urged leaders to use legal structures in place to channel their issues, and avoid destroying the countries over short-lived political stunts.
“We do not have any other county to run to. Let’s not be misled into disrupting our own future. If there are grievances, they should be channeled through legal means,” Lemantile urged.
He asserted that the County Assembly received and processed the 2025–2026 Appropriation Bill in accordance with Section 222(1) of the Assembly’s Standing Orders. He affirmed that the Isiolo County Executive is now legally empowered to implement the budget as stipulated in the Appropriation Act, 2025.
Seconding Lemantile, Vice Chairperson Budget and Appropriation Committee Rehema Abdikadir, reinforced that the budget went through the lawful processes. She further cautioned Isiolo residents against falling into the trap of intentional propaganda to cripple county operations.
“I want to assure the people of Isiolo that all budget procedures were followed. There were no shortcuts. Everything was done transparently and according to the law,” she said.
Francis Letimalo, nominated MCA further said the budget approval surpassed the required quorum of six, as nine out of 18 MCAs passed the bill.
Majority Leader and Garbatula MCA Abdirashid Ali raised concerns over armed people with crude weapons have taken over the security details of the Assembly, leaving officers stranded, and barring MCAs from accessing the county chambers.
“This kind of lawlessness is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” Ali stated. “We urge the county security team to intervene and restore order. There are lawful avenues available to resolve political disputes,” he alleged.
Tension continues to brew in Isiolo county, with fraction allied to Guyo and Speaker Roba claiming to ensure the county activities are not interfered with, despite the brewing high political temperatures in the county.
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