Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle speaking to journalists in his office. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle has warned Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who have consistently failed to attend House sittings that they risk losing their seats in accordance with the Assembly’s standing orders.

Speaking to the press in his office, an agitated Idle said absenteeism among some MCAs had severely affected the operations of the Assembly, leading to delays in the processing of crucial bills and motions meant to benefit residents of Garissa County.

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Idle noted that failure by members to attend House proceedings not only delayed legislative business but also affected oversight and service delivery to residents.

He regretted that several important bills were currently stalled at different stages because the Assembly had repeatedly failed to attain the quorum required for debate and decision-making.

“I have to be honest with you, the continued absence of members from House sittings is seriously undermining the legislative mandate of the Assembly and denying residents effective representation,” he said.

He said the time had come for MCAs to take their legislative responsibilities seriously, noting that the electorate had entrusted them with the duty of representing their interests effectively in the House.

“I have evidence on the floor of the House of my constant communication to the honorable members to take up their roles seriously. Unfortunately, my communication is not being taken seriously,” said Idle.

The Speaker warned that the Assembly’s standing orders were explicit on the consequences facing members who abscond sittings for prolonged periods.

“It is not a wonder if you hear that a number of members have lost their seats for being away. The standing orders are very clear. When one misses eight consecutive sessions, then that is enough to send one home and the people of Garissa will be able to elect another representative who will be committed to the job,” he said.

He urged MCAs to put aside personal interests and prioritize the needs of the people who elected them, warning that continued absenteeism would not be tolerated.

Jarajila Ward MCA Noor Sheikh Farah speaking to the star confirmed the speakers allegations saying thatabsenteeism has been a big issue in the house for the longest time.

“The speakers is very right on this one. I have been in the house for the last 4 years and I can tell you, many are the times when the house business has been adjourned for a lack of qurum. Many bills that are in various stages that are supposed to be debated are stuck as a result of a lack of quorum,” Farah said.

Speaking to the press separately, human rights activists and members of civil society organizations expressed their deep concern following the speakers remarks.

Led by Muktar Dahir Head, Garissa County Human Rights Defenders Network, they said the revelations made by the Speaker paint a worrying picture of negligence and failure by some elected leaders to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people who elected them.

“As human rights defenders and advocates for accountable leadership, we strongly remind all MCAs that they were elected by wananchi to serve diligently and uphold the interests of the people, not to abandon their duties. Attendance and active participation in Assembly sessions are not optional favors to the public, they are constitutional and moral obligations attached to the offices they hold,” Muktar said.

Muktar called on the leadership of the Assembly to institute firm measures that promote discipline and accountability among members who consistently fail to attend sessions without legitimate reasons.

“The culture of absenteeism should not be normalized in a democratic institution entrusted with safeguarding the interests of the people. The people of Garissa deserve a functioning County Assembly that works efficiently, debates issues affecting citizens, oversees the executive effectively, and passes legislation that promotes development, justice, and good governance,” Muktar added.

He said as civil society and human rights defenders, they will continue monitoring the conduct and performance of elected leaders and will not hesitate to publicly call out actions or omissions that undermine democratic governance and service delivery.