Isiolo MCAs Deny Budget Fraud Allegations, Urge Residents to Remain Peaceful

Nairobi, Kenya — July 31, 2025 — Members of the Isiolo County Assembly (MCAs) have firmly rejected claims that they unlawfully approved the KSh 7 billion 2025/26 budget, insisting the process met all legal and procedural requirements and calling for calm amid rising political tensions.

Legal Defence of Budget Approval

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Deputy Speaker David Lemantile—also representing Oldonyiro Ward—stressed that the Appropriation Bill was received and processed in full accordance with Section 222(1) of the Assembly’s Standing Orders. He asserted that all legislative and procedural steps were duly followed before the budget passed into law (Appropriation Act, 2025) and was gazetted accordingly  .

Vice Chairperson of the Budget Committee, Rehema Abdikadir, echoed his remarks, affirming the deliberations were thorough, inclusive, and compliant with due process. She noted that the budget received approval from nine out of the Assembly’s 18 MCAs, comfortably exceeding the legally required quorum of six  .

Accusations Branded Political Distraction

Lemantile and his colleagues characterised the fraud allegations as politically motivated smears aimed at destabilising governance and undermining development in Isiolo. These accusations stem from a rival faction aligned with former Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto, who supported a failed attempt to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo. The MCAs warned residents against falling prey to propaganda by external actors bent on derailing county operations  .

“Let no one mislead the people of Isiolo for their own selfish political gain. We must remain united and focused on service delivery,” Lemantile urged.

He added:

“We don’t have any other county to run to … If something is not right, there is a legal channel to address it.” 

Security Concerns at County Assembly

Additional concerns were raised by Majority Leader Abdirashid Ali, who flagged worsening security at Assembly chambers. Ali claimed unidentified individuals bearing crude weapons had been deployed—ostensibly to block some MCAs from accessing the building—a move he described as inconsistent with constitutional democracy. He called for immediate intervention by county security organs  .

The Broader Context

The budget row has unfolded in the shadow of internal leadership struggles and an impeachment motion against Governor Guyo that stoked political instability across the county. Despite these disruptions, the pro-government majority MCAs affirmed their commitment to ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and operational continuity in Isiolo  .

Quick Overview

Bottom Line

Isiolo MCAs insist the 2025/26 budget was lawfully passed and that recent fraud allegations are unfounded. They emphasise legal accountability channels, denounce political manipulation, and call for peace as service delivery and development continue. The situation reflects deeper divisions in local politics ahead of the 2027 general election.