Chaos erupted at Wajir County Assembly after a section of MCAs disrupted proceedings over the proposed 2024/25 Financial Year Budget.

Trouble started on Tuesday, July 30 when the MCAs could not agree on whether to pass or reject the proposed county budget.

In a video shared on social media, the chaos is seen to have started when a two male MCAs jump off tables and attempt to grab the mace from sergeant-at-arms.

This sparked a commotion, leading to a struggle between the MCAs and the sergeant-at-arms.

The commotion escalated as MCAs scampered for safety, with the sergeant-at-arms successfully protecting the mace and exiting the chambers.

Those against the proposed budget exited the House as those in favour remained inside.

The MCAs justified their actions by stating that the budget did not reflect the needs of the people of Wajir, arguing that there were many misplaced priorities.

According to the official statement, the MCAs criticized the County Government for failing to decentralize key services that impact most residents and accused the government of not fulfilling campaign promises.

“The 2010 Constitution clearly states that sovereign power belongs to the people. Since being elected in 2022, the county assembly has approved nearly Ksh24 billion for two financial years,” the statement read. “Less than Ksh600 million reached the grassroots, while Ksh23.4 billion was misappropriated within Wajir Town.”

The MCAs cited several reasons for rejecting the budget, including inadequate public participation and the failure to incorporate public views. They also claimed that in some areas, officials conducting public participation were chased away, leading to inequality.

Additionally, they argued that the budget was illegal since the fiscal strategy paper was not submitted to the sectoral committees as required by standing orders.