DCI Report Casts Doubt on Isiolo Speaker Banticha’s Election, Citing Forgery and Illegal Oath

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has submitted a damning report to the National Assembly, disputing the June 2025 removal of Isiolo Speaker Mohamed Roba Koto and the subsequent installation of Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticha

According to the report  addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly  investigators recorded statements from 16 MCAs and 18 County Assembly staff, all of whom confirmed that no proceedings took place on June 19, 24, and 26, 2025

These dates are central to documents under probe for alleged forgery

The DCI further noted that the assembly had adjourned sittings on June 18, 2025, to allow public participation on an impeachment motion against Governor Abdi Guyo

However, chaos reportedly broke out the same day when a group of goons, allegedly linked to the governor, stormed the chambers, assaulted officers, vandalised equipment, and stole recording devices and computers

With no backup system in place, all Hansard and digital records were lost, the report says

The DCI also raised legal concerns after establishing that both Banticha and Lucy Kagwiria Kaburu were serving as County Executive Committee (CEC) members when they allegedly applied to contest the speaker position  a move prohibited by law

Additionally, the report accuses Salad Boru Guracha of administering an oath of office to Banticha despite knowing that no lawful election had been held. Banticha is also accused of knowingly signing invalid affirmation documents

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Following these revelations, Banticha’s appointment was revoked in a Kenya Gazette notice dated July 14, 2025, after an advisory from the Attorney General pending the outcome of investigations.

The dispute later shifted to the courts. On August 27, 2025, nine MCAs filed a petition at the High Court in Isiolo, challenging investigations by the Inspector General of Police, the DCI, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)

The court issued conservatory orders stopping arrests or prosecution of the petitioners over their involvement in the disputed proceedings

The DCI has since forwarded the file to the ODPP. The High Court is expected to issue a ruling on November 25, 2025, which will determine the next steps in the ongoing probe