DCI report disputes Isiolo Speaker Jaldesa Banticha election, cites forgery and illegal oath

In the report addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the DCI confirmed recording statements from 16 MCAs and 18 assembly staff who pointed out that no proceedings took place on 19th, 24th, and 26th June 2025, contradicting claims made in documents under investigation for alleged forgery.

According to the DCI, the assembly had adjourned sittings on June 18, 2025 to allow for public participation on a motion to impeach Governor Abdi Guyo. 

However, on the same day, the report indicated that a group of goons allegedly led by the governor stormed the chambers, assaulted officers, vandalised equipment, and stole recording devices and computers. 

The DCI noted that the assembly had no backup system, leading to the loss of all digital records, including Hansard data.

The report also stated that both Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha and Lucy Kagwiria Kaburu were serving as CECs in the county government at the time they allegedly applied to contest for speaker, raising legal concerns.

The DCI further revealed that Salad Boru Guracha is accused of administering an affirmation of office and oath of office to Banticha despite having clear knowledge that no assembly sitting had taken place to elect him as speaker. Banticha is also accused of signing affirmation documents while aware that no valid election had occurred.

The appointment of Banticha as speaker was later revoked in a Kenya Gazette notice dated July 14, 2025 following an advisory from the Attorney General pending the outcome of the DCI probe.

The dispute escalated to court on August 27, 2025, when nine MCAs filed a petition at the High Court in Isiolo challenging investigations against them by the Inspector General of Police, the DCI, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. 

The court subsequently issued conservatory orders restraining the state agencies from arresting or prosecuting the petitioners over their participation in the disputed proceedings.

The DCI’s file has since been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The matter now awaits the High Court’s ruling on November 25, 2025 in Isiolo, which will determine the next steps in the ongoing investigations.