Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya has taken a firm stance in the ongoing budget standoff between the County Assembly and the Executive, insisting that he will not compromise the law or the interests of residents in the approval of the county’s budget.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at St. Peter Catholic Church Maseki in Kimangao Parish, Kyuso Ward, Mwingi North Constituency, Katisya defended the Assembly’s handling of the budget process, saying elected leaders have a constitutional obligation to safeguard public resources and ensure accountability in government spending.
The Speaker, who has found himself at the center of the budget dispute, maintained that the Assembly’s position is guided by the Constitution and the need to protect taxpayers from irregular expenditure.
“The people of Kitui County have entrusted the Assembly with the sacred duty of safeguarding public resources and upholding the Constitution,” Katisya told congregants.
He said the County Assembly would only approve a budget that fully complies with the law and reflects the interests of wananchi.
“As Leader of the House, I remain steadfast in ensuring that every budget we appropriate serves the public interest and fully complies with the law,” he said.
Katisya’s remarks come at a time when the budget impasse has sparked intense political debate across the county, with pressure mounting on both the Assembly and the Executive to find a way forward and avert possible disruptions to county operations and development programmes.
While acknowledging that his position may not be popular in some quarters, the Speaker signaled that he was prepared to withstand political pressure in defense of what he termed as the Assembly’s constitutional mandate.
“I know I have taken an unpopular stand by choosing to stand with our people, but I will not be shaken,” he declared.
His comments are likely to further shape public debate around the budget crisis, with supporters portraying him as a defender of accountability and prudent financial management, while critics argue that the prolonged standoff risks delaying key county projects and services.
The unfolding dispute has emerged as one of the most significant governance challenges facing Kitui County, with residents keenly awaiting a resolution that will unlock development funds while ensuring transparency and adherence to the law.
For now, Speaker Katisya appears determined to hold his ground, setting the stage for what could be a defining political battle over the future direction of county governance and financial accountability in Kitui.
