Isiolo, Kenya| The Third County Assembly of Isiolo, in its Fourth Session, held a pivotal afternoon sitting on Tuesday where pressing public health and security concerns dominated the legislative agenda.
The session, presided over by Speaker Mohamed Roba Qoto, featured the tabling of two critical motions by Majority Leader and Garbatulla Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), Abdirashid Ali Diba, also known as Girandira.
Motion One: Addressing a Sanitation Breakdown
In the first motion, Diba sounded the alarm over the deteriorating sanitation conditions in Garbatulla, Merti, and Cherab sub-counties.
The collapse of routine waste collection services following the attrition of town cleaners has left large volumes of uncollected garbage piling up in public spaces, posing a serious public health hazard.
Citing Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya—which guarantees the right of every person to a clean and healthy environment—Diba called on the County Executive to act with urgency.
He further referenced the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which places the responsibility of refuse removal, garbage collection, and sanitation services squarely within the purview of county governments under Kenya’s devolved system.
“The absence of a functional waste management system is not just an administrative oversight—it is a violation of constitutional rights,” Diba declared.
He demanded the immediate recruitment and deployment of sanitation workers, warning that inaction would exacerbate environmental degradation and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
Motion Two: Confronting Rising Insecurity
The second motion addressed a growing wave of insecurity in Isiolo County, spotlighting the recent and alarming shooting of MCA Nicholas Lorot, a member of the Isiolo County Assembly representing Burat Ward.
The attack, which remains unresolved, has sparked widespread concern over public safety and the protection of both citizens and public officials.
Diba urged both county and national security agencies to intensify investigations, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore law and order.
He anchored his appeal on Article 6(2) and Article 189(1) of the Constitution, which emphasize intergovernmental cooperation in delivering services and ensuring the welfare of citizens.
“The safety of our people and leaders is the bedrock of effective governance,” Diba said.
“Insecurity undermines the very fabric of devolution by eroding public confidence and paralyzing service delivery.”
The motion also called for enhanced security for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) and other public officials, asserting that safeguarding democratic institutions is essential to the continuity of governance and public trust.
Assembly’s United Front
The motions sparked a robust and spirited debate, drawing widespread support from across the political divide.
Among those who contributed were Bulapesa MCA Waithaka, Cherab MCA Gole, Chari MCA Mejjah Galgalo, Kinna MCA Major Jillo, Wabera MCA Salesio Kiambi, and Nominated MCA Dekha Bonja.
Their contributions underscored the importance of translating constitutional principles into real and practical solutions.
Speakers emphasized the County Assembly’s role as a guardian of devolution and a representative voice for the people.
“Devolution is not just a structure—it’s a promise to bring services closer to the people. It’s our duty to ensure that promise is not broken,” noted Mejjah Galgalo during the deliberations.
Reaffirming the Assembly’s Mandate
Through the tabling and deliberation of these motions, the Isiolo County Assembly reaffirmed its legislative, oversight, and representative mandate as enshrined in the Constitution.
The afternoon sitting highlighted a deep commitment to tackling the day-to-day challenges faced by residents—whether they pertain to environmental sustainability or personal safety.
As Isiolo grapples with these twin challenges, the Assembly’s proactive stance signals a renewed effort to fulfill the goals of devolution by ensuring responsive, transparent, and accountable local governance.