Budget Showdown: Rift Between Bomet MCAs Derails Approval Process
Bomet County Assembly Speaker Cosmas Korir presiding a past session at the County Assembly. MCAs today failed to debate and approved the 2025/26 budget in an apparent stalemate. Photo/Kimagata Maridany
By Gilbert Kimutai
Published on July 9, 2025
A special sitting of the Bomet County Assembly convened to debate and approve the 2025/2026 budget was abruptly adjourned on Wednesday, amid a brewing stalemate between nominated and elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
The sitting, initially scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and later 2:30 p.m., was delayed for hours before being officially called off. In its place, a procedural motion was passed to allow the assembly to reconvene on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to deliberate the budget.
Tensions were evident throughout the day, with the two factions holding back-to-back informal meetings that delayed the afternoon session. Nominated MCAs expressed frustration, alleging they had been sidelined in critical decisions regarding the budget process.
Rongena Manaret MCA Roseline Cheptoo who sits at the Budget Commitee while backing a procedural motion to adjourn to debate and approve the budget which has seen Nominated and elected MCAs lock horns. Photo/Kimagata Maridany
While both sides declined to publicly address the underlying issues, the division was evident: elected MCAs overwhelmingly supported the motion to adjourn, while many of their nominated counterparts abstained.
Deputy Majority Leader Joseah Samoei, who moved the procedural motion, defended the decision, citing the need for adequate time to scrutinize the budget report.
“The Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by the Kimulot MCA, has worked tirelessly to compile this report. It is only fair that all members are given enough time to familiarize themselves with the contents before debate,” said Mr. Samoei, who represents Nyongores Ward.
Rongena-Manaret MCA Rosaline Cheptoo, a member of the Budget Committee, seconded the motion and urged members to support it to ensure the timely passage of the budget.
Mogogosiek MCA Ernest Kipkemoi who supported decision to adjourn saying it was necessary for MCAs to familiarize with the budget report. Photo/Kimagata Maridany
“I support the motion and appeal to my fellow members to do the same so we can approve the budget without unnecessary delays,” Cheptoo said.
Mogogosiek MCA Ernest Kipkemoi also supported the motion, emphasizing the importance of informed debate.
“We need time to thoroughly read the report. That way, when we meet tomorrow, we can engage meaningfully, examine allocations, and make well-considered decisions,” Kipkemoi added.
The assembly is now expected to resume on Thursday, where focus will shift to whether the internal divisions will be resolved in time to pass the crucial budget.
A section of nominated MCAs at the Bomet County Assembly Chamber in a past sitting. Nominated MCAs are alleging sidelining by their elected colleagues in crucial budget decision on the assembly vote head.
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