The Chairperson of the Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and
Urban Development Committee, Khadija Idris /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
A major political and legal storm is brewing at the Garissa County Assembly following allegations of an irregular and unlawful approval of the Integrated Development and Expansion Plan (IDEP) for Garissa Municipality.
The controversy emerged after the chairperson of the Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development Committee, Khadija Idris, formally accused unnamed officials within the assembly of manipulating the approval process and bypassing legal procedures.
In a complaint letter dated April 29 and addressed to the Speaker of the County Assembly, Idris claimed that the IDEP document dated April 24 was “irregularly stamped, signed and a Hansard report generated” without the knowledge, participation or authorisation of her committee, which is legally mandated to deliberate on such matters.
The allegations have now thrown the assembly into a governance crisis, with concerns being raised over possible abuse of office, procedural irregularities and violation of constitutional provisions governing public participation and accountability.
Idris argued that the process violated Article 10 of the constitution, which outlines national values including transparency, accountability, and public participation, as well as Article 196, which requires county assemblies to conduct business openly and facilitate public involvement in legislative and policy-making processes.
“The alleged approval was conducted internally, without any evidence of public engagement, thereby rendering the process unconstitutional, irregular and legally untenable,” the complaint states.
Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle /STEPHEN ASTARIKOThe committee chairperson further questioned how official assembly records, including a Hansard report, could have been generated without the involvement of the relevant oversight committee.
The matter has since prompted intervention from the Speaker of the Garissa County Assembly, Abdi Idle, who acknowledged receipt of the complaint and invited members of the Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development Committee to a consultative meeting scheduled for May 5.
In a memorandum dated April 30, Idle said the meeting would provide a platform for discussion regarding the concerns raised and ensure “thorough consideration moving forward".
The Garissa county assembly in session /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
“Your participation is essential as we seek to clarify and address the issues at hand,” the Speaker stated.
The unfolding dispute is expected to intensify pressure on the county assembly leadership, with legal and governance experts warning that any approval process undertaken without public participation could face court challenges and possible nullification.
The IDEP is considered a critical planning document that guides urban development, land use and infrastructure expansion within Garissa Municipality, making its approval process highly sensitive and legally significant.
Political observers say the standoff could further expose deep divisions within the assembly as questions mount over transparency and adherence to due process in county governance.
Speaking to the star, Sankuri MCA Abdirahman Borr, who sits in the committee, confirmed the issue.
“It is true that the issue is there. As a committee, we were surprised to learn of the approval of the Integrated Development and Expansion Plan (IDEP) for Garissa Municipality. This was done irregularly and unlawfully,” he said.
Last week, Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle 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.
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.
