Tension gripped the Tharaka Nithi County Assembly after Budget Committee Chair Murithi Gaturo shocked the House and the public by withdrawing the 2025/2026 proposed county budget appropriation bill, immediately after reading the report in full view of MCAs and community members who had filled the chamber.
The dramatic U-turn came just moments before the Assembly was expected to deliberate and vote on the bill.
The decision sparked anger and protests from a group of Members of County Assembly (MCAs), who claimed the budget was flawed, unfair, and lacked equity.
In a strong show of resistance, the MCAs stormed out of the chamber chanting "No Retreat, No Surrender" and staged a protest outside Governor Muthomi Njuki's office.
