Machakos County Government workers protest outside Machakos County Assembly in Machakos town on August 3, 2026.Machakos County Government workers on Monday marched to the County Assembly and issued a stark warning to Members of County Assembly (MCAs): approve the 2026/27 budget or brace for protests at your homes.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, hundreds of workers under the Machakos County Workers Union Caucus staged a peaceful demonstration from Mulu Mutisya Gardens to the County Assembly, accusing MCAs of delaying approval of the county budget and disrupting livelihoods and public services.
Police officers keep guard during Machakos County workers at the County Assembly of Machakos on August 3, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI
The protesters, led by Kenya Union of Clinical Officers National Vice Chairman Boniface Mitambo, were blocked from entering the Assembly premises by anti-riot police officers, who were backed by reinforcements from other police stations within Machakos Sub-county.
Machakos County Workers Union Chairperson Ruth John said the delayed budget had left workers bearing the brunt, claiming many had been blacklisted by financial institutions and were unable to access loans to meet basic needs, including paying school fees.
Police officers barricade a road leading to Machakos courts during the County Government of Machakos employees' protests on August 3, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI
Police officers barricade a road leading to Machakos courts during the County Government of Machakos employees' protests on August 3, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI
She also alleged that some MCAs stayed away from the Assembly after learning of the planned demonstration.
John warned that if the budget is not passed by Tuesday, workers would escalate the protests by taking them to the homes of individual MCAs.
"We are asking all workers to assemble at each individual MCA's home from tomorrow if the budget is not passed. We will be taking tea at your homes. We will come for salaries at your homes and treatment at your homes," she said.
Despite the heavy security presence, the workers sang, danced and addressed supporters before presenting a petition to the Assembly Clerk. Some youths played football along the roads during the demonstration as the protesters awaited the petition's reception.
The protest took place while the MCAs were on recess.
"Today, we have come to present our petition concerning the delay by the MCAs to approve the Machakos County Budget for the year 2026/27. We have brought the petition at a time when the County Assembly is on recess," Mitambo told journalists outside the Assembly.
Youth play football on the road during County Government of Machakos employees' protest outside the Machakos County Assembly on August 3, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI
He argued that the legislators had more than three months to scrutinise the budget and seek clarification on any concerns, saying there was no justification for the continued delay.
"The MCAs had more than three months to engage relevant departments and as well get clarification on queries they have on the budget, if there are any. That's the reason why we can't wait until the recess is over," he said.
The workers later dispersed peacefully after presenting their petition, with police officers also leaving the Assembly premises.
They vowed to continue demonstrating until the Machakos County Assembly approves the 2026/27 budget.
