Written By Lisa Murimi
The Wajir County Assembly descended into chaos on Tuesday, July 30, as members rejected the proposed budget for the 2024/25 financial year.
The commotion began shortly after the mace was brought into the House to commence proceedings.
In videos shared on social media, two male MCAs were seen leaping off tables and attacking orderlies to seize the mace.
A struggle ensued, with MCAs fighting each other and orderlies as they attempted to take the mace outside the assembly.
Those in favor of the budget were left arguing and shouting, while another group of MCAs inside the assembly flipped tables, threw documents, and chanted in their native language.
The MCAs argued that the budget failed to reflect the needs of the people of Wajir, citing misplaced priorities. They accused the county government of not decentralizing key services and failing to serve all citizens as promised during the campaign period.
In an official statement, the MCAs highlighted their concerns: “The 2010 Constitution is clear that the sovereign power belongs to the people. Since being elected in 2022, the county assembly approved close to Ksh 24 billion budget for two financial years. Not more than Ksh 600 million went to the grassroots, Ksh 23.4 billion was misappropriated within Wajir Town.”
They also criticized the lack of proper public participation and claimed that public views were not incorporated.
Some officials conducting public participation were reportedly chased away, leading to claims of inequality.
Additionally, the MCAs argued that the budget was illegal since the fiscal strategy paper was not committed to the sectoral committees as required by standing orders.
