Nairobi: Tension gripped the Tharaka Nithi County Assembly after Budget Committee Chair Murithi Gaturo shocked the House and the public by withdrawing the 2025/2026 proposed county budget appropriation bill, immediately after reading the report in full view of MCAs and community members who had filled the chamber. The dramatic U-turn came just moments before the Assembly was expected to deliberate and vote on the bill.
According to Kenya News Agency, the decision sparked anger and protests from a group of Members of County Assembly (MCAs), who claimed the budget was flawed, unfair, and lacked equity. In a strong show of resistance, the MCAs stormed out of the chamber chanting 'No Retreat, No Surrender' and staged a protest outside Governor Muthomi Njuki's office.
Addressing the press, nominated MCA Nevert Kinuthia said the budget withdrawal raised more questions than answers. 'Why read a whole appropriation bill in front of the people, then withdraw it without warning? Some MCAs are being threatened for standing for the truth and one was nearly arrested last night,' he revealed. Kinuthia, along with several other MCAs, vowed to block any budget that does not uphold fairness and equity.
Mugwe MCA Jacob Kiriko added that the bill failed to reflect the true needs of the people. 'I read through it and saw clear imbalances. Money was not fairly allocated across wards. As leaders, we must protect the mwananchi,' he said. Igambang'ombe MCA Njeru Ing'ara said residents must always come first. 'We urge Governor Njuki to listen to the people. The current team that drafted this bill failed and should not be allowed to do it again. A people's budget must be inclusive, not political,' he said.
Majority Leader Luke Marengo from Mukothima Ward also supported the protest, warning that the Assembly would not pass any budget that does not serve all residents equally. 'Until fairness is prioritized, this budget will not go through,' he declared. Members of the public present during the event were equally stunned, with many demanding accountability from the county leadership.
As the battle over the 2025/2026 budget intensifies, the message from the protesting MCAs is clear: 'No equity, no budget.'