Homa Bay, Kenya| In the bustling corridors of the 12th Devolution Conference, where Kenya’s county leaders converge to chart the future of decentralized governance, Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha has emerged as a vocal defender of his legitimacy and a fierce critic of political opportunism.
As the conference unfolds from August 12 to 15 at Homa Bay High School, Banticha’s clarifications and revelations, shared through a phone interview on Isiolo’s Nagaa Radio with presenter Adesh Nagaa, have thrust Isiolo’s turbulent politics into the national spotlight, highlighting deep-seated divisions, alleged financial improprieties, and the fragility of devolution’s promise.
The event, themed around reinforcing constitutional mandates and fostering intergovernmental collaboration, has drawn high-profile attendees including President William Ruto, who officially opened proceedings on August 12.
Amid sessions on fiscal accountability, public participation, and sustainable development, Banticha’s statements serve as a stark reminder of the challenges plaguing county assemblies – from leadership wrangles to corruption scandals that undermine public trust.
Affirming Legitimacy: Banticha’s Role at the Devolution Conference
Speaking from Homa Bay via Nagaa Radio, a local vernacular station in Isiolo, Speaker Banticha emphatically asserted his status as the duly recognized leader of the Isiolo County Assembly. “People should know that I am the only recognized Assembly Speaker of Isiolo.” He frantically stated.
“That is why I have been invited, as part of the County Assembly, to the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay,” he declared during the phone interview with presenter Adesh Nagaa.
His invitation, bearing the designation “Speaker, County Government of Isiolo,” has been a point of contention for detractors back home.
Banticha dismissed any irregularities, stating, “My designation, written as Speaker, County Government of Isiolo, is correct and has no issue. We are there to represent the County Government of Isiolo.”
This comes against a backdrop of legal battles that have affirmed his position multiple times, including recent High Court orders halting attempts to remove him from office.
Banticha’s ascent to the speakership in late June 2025 was anything but smooth. He replaced Mohamed Roba following a chaotic session tied to the impeachment proceedings against Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo.
Court interventions, including extensions of orders by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, have solidified his role, even as rival factions continue to challenge his authority.
These disputes have paralyzed assembly operations, with accusations of vandalism, forged documents, and dual claimants to leadership positions exacerbating the crisis.
At the conference, Banticha emphasized the importance of unity in representing Isiolo’s interests.
“We are here to engage on critical devolution matters, from budget implementation to service delivery,” he noted, aligning with the event’s focus on empowering counties to achieve self-reliance and equitable resource distribution.
Unmasking the Impeachment Fraud: Lies, Money, and Division
During his Nagaa Radio interview, Banticha unleashed a scathing critique of the failed impeachment bid against Governor Guyo, painting a picture of deceit and exploitation that has left Isiolo’s residents reeling.
The impeachment motion, initiated in June 2025, accused Guyo of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of financial laws.
It culminated in a Senate hearing on July 8, where the case was dismissed on procedural grounds – including forged Hansard records and contempt of court – allowing Guyo to retain his seat.
Banticha revealed how opponents allegedly manipulated public sentiment to fundraise during the campaign. “They lied to the people during the impeachment campaign, collecting large sums even after it collapsed.” Banticha doubled down on his opponents.
“Now, they’re fighting over the money, with some refusing to return the funds. I urge them to give back the people’s money and stop using innocent citizens as shields. Honesty to their supporters is long overdue,” he added.
He further alleged that about four individuals have vanished with millions raised from unsuspecting citizens, fueling rifts among politicians, elders, and rebel Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
“They manipulate people’s emotions for personal gain. They must stop hiding behind the crowd, accept the truth, and move on. Our democracy demands respect for constitutional processes and accountability,” Banticha emphasized.
These claims echo broader allegations of looting during the impeachment chaos, where opportunistic actors reportedly siphoned public funds amid the distraction.
Recent reports suggest that the county’s 2025/2026 budget – valued at KSh 7.3 billion – was passed under dubious circumstances, bypassing public participation and legal scrutiny.
Banticha insisted that he and Governor Guyo’s team adhered strictly to the law and court orders, while rivals flouted them and now face potential contempt charges. 25
The scandal has deepened ethnic and political divisions in Isiolo, a multi-ethnic county in northern Kenya known for its pastoralist communities and strategic location.
Leaders like former Governor Godana Doyo and Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya have joined Banticha in calling for investigations into those inciting conflict.
Tragically, the tensions boiled over recently when an elder, vocal against the impeachment, was shot multiple times near Jamia Mosque – an incident Guyo linked to opposition elements.
The Broader Implications for Kenyan Devolution
Banticha’s exposé on Nagaa Radio underscores the vulnerabilities in Kenya’s devolved system, established under the 2010 Constitution to decentralize power and promote equitable development.
While counties like Isiolo have made strides in infrastructure and health services, persistent issues like corruption, leadership instability, and weak oversight threaten these gains.
Experts at the conference, including sessions hosted by the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, are discussing ways to strengthen accountability mechanisms, such as enhanced Senate oversight and judicial interventions.
Banticha’s call for returning misappropriated funds resonates with national demands for transparency, especially amid ongoing debates on fiscal reforms.
As the conference progresses, eyes remain on Isiolo. Will Banticha’s revelations prompt action from bodies like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission or the Senate? For now, his message is clear:
“They lied to the people while pushing the impeachment and collected a lot of money during and even after it failed. Recently, they fought over that money, and I have heard that a few individuals kept it. I tell them to return the people’s money and stop disturbing innocent people. Also, they should stop using people as a shield and be truthful to their supporters.”
In a nation grappling with governance challenges, Banticha’s stand from Homa Bay, amplified through Nagaa Radio, could mark a turning point – or ignite further controversy in Isiolo’s volatile political landscape. As devolution turns 12, the quest for integrity in county leadership has never been more urgent.
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