Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed claims that his administration has ceded key county functions to the National Government following a high-level meeting with President William Ruto at State House.
Speculation of a fresh deed of transfer, similar to the 2020 arrangement that birthed the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, gained traction this week after reports suggested that departments such as roads, garbage collection and water services had been handed over.
“There is no transfer of any functions,” Sakaja said on Wednesday morning, terming the reports false. In a subsequent social media post, he added: “Fake news. No functions or roles ceded.”
Despite the categorical denial, it has emerged that the governor, accompanied by all County Executive Committee members, met President Ruto at State House on Tuesday. No official communiqué was issued after the meeting, and the exact timing remains undisclosed, but sources familiar with the discussions say the future of the capital dominated the agenda.
A senior City Hall official, who sought anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the President pressed the county leadership for progress reports in critical sectors, particularly roads and waste management.
Nairobi County received Sh2.1 billion in 2025 earmarked for road improvements. According to the source, the President sought clarity on delivery timelines and the scope of completed works.
The push for accelerated upgrades is understood to be linked to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The meeting is said to have resolved that both levels of government would continue working in tandem, with an ambitious proposal that each Member of County Assembly will see at least one kilometre of tarmac road constructed in their respective wards.
Waste management also featured prominently. Discussions reportedly touched on Green Nairobi Company Limited, an entity expected to play a central role in garbage collection and city cleanliness under a long-term arrangement believed to span 25 years.
Sakaja has previously defended the model as a structural overhaul of the city’s waste ecosystem. In an earlier television interview, he argued that the current system incentivises volume rather than cleanliness. He has also pledged the establishment of a 45-megawatt waste-to-energy plant in Dandora, saying the project would transform refuse management while generating electricity.
President Ruto and Sakaja in a past event.
President Ruto has in recent months intensified his public pronouncements on Nairobi’s transformation. In October last year, he declared that the capital “cannot continue to be a city in filth,” signalling imminent agreements with private sector players to modernise waste management. He has repeatedly pledged national resources to improve roads, lighting and drainage, framing Nairobi as central to Kenya’s global image.
In July, the President announced a 70-kilometre road construction plan within the city, promising completion of major stretches in Embakasi by year’s end. Earlier this month, he said the National Government, in collaboration with the county, would from April roll out structured garbage management services, alongside major investments in water supply, informal settlement upgrades and electricity connectivity.
The renewed coordination has revived memories of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, which in 2020 assumed control of four key county functions following a deed of transfer signed between former Governor Mike Sonko and the National Government. The arrangement, later wound up, fundamentally altered the governance structure of the capital and remains politically sensitive.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna questioned whether any constitutional process had been initiated this time. Under Article 187 of the Constitution, a transfer of functions between levels of government requires a formal agreement and approval by the relevant legislative bodies. “Constitutionally, there has to be a deed of transfer of functions. It has to be approved by the county assembly. I have seen neither,” Sifuna said.
While Sakaja maintains that no such process is underway, the optics of a full county cabinet meeting at State House and the deepening joint planning on roads, waste, water and housing underscore an increasingly central role for the National Government in shaping Nairobi’s trajectory.
With AFCON 2027 on the horizon and mounting public pressure over traffic congestion, garbage backlogs and infrastructure strain, the capital has become a test case for intergovernmental cooperation. Sakaja is expected to address the County Assembly later today, where attention will focus on whether he offers further details on what transpired behind closed doors at State House.
Naivas Supermarket has strongly refuted allegations of selling expired products and has implied that Nairobi County officials may be attempting to extort bribes from the retail chain under the guise of health inspections.
In a strongly-worded press release issued today in Nairobi, the supermarket chain categorically denied claims that expired products were found on their shelves during recent inspections by the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee.
“No expired products have been found on our shelves, and we maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations,” the statement read.
The controversy comes after Health Committee Chairperson Maurice Ochieng claimed that an inspection at Naivas’ Moi Avenue branch had uncovered expired products that posed health risks to consumers.
In what appears to be a direct accusation of corruption, Naivas stated: “Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics.” This statement suggests the retailer believes the allegations may be motivated by attempts to solicit bribes.
The supermarket chain also clarified that contrary to rumors circulating on social media, none of its branches have been closed by any regulatory or health authority.
“All our stores remain fully operational and compliant with all national and county-level standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Ministry of Health, and relevant bodies,” the company affirmed.
The dispute has attracted attention from senior political figures, with Hon. Moses Kuria publicly criticizing county governments on social media: “We will not create jobs when County Governments wake up and close Naivas and Carrefour arbitrarily. You don’t attract investors by acting whimsical.”
Naivas, which has operated in Kenya for over 30 years, indicated it is seeking legal advice regarding potential action against individuals or organizations spreading what it terms “false, misleading, and potentially harmful” information about its operations.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between businesses and county regulatory bodies in Nairobi under Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, with businesses increasingly vocal about what they perceive as harassment and extortion attempts disguised as regulatory enforcement.
Nairobi’s Governor Johnson Sakaja announced that the city intends to rename some of its roads in honor of musicians, aiming to celebrate their contributions and ensure their legacies endure.
Speaking at the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Sakaja highlighted that this initiative would start with a road in South C named after the late hip-hop artist Issah M’mari Wangui, better known as E-Sir.
Governor Sakaja has also promised to rename one of the roads in Nairobi’s South C estate in honour of the late singer E-Sir.
“ Nairobi is now able to attract major artistes both locally and internationally. We shall be honouring our artistes by renaming some of our roads after them. For example, one road in South C will be renamed after the great hero, E-Sir whose brother performed here today,” he stated.
E-Sir, who passed away at the age of 21 in a tragic road accident in Naivasha in March 2003, was at the peak of his career, having won four categories at the 2003 Kisima Music Awards with his vibrant hits.
The rapper, one of the most popular musical artistes at the time, hailed from South C estate.
Issah Mmari Wangui, better known as E-Sir, who died in March 16, 2003 at the age of 21.
Governor Sakaja pointed out that while many Nairobi roads are named after politicians and notable figures, this new approach would recognize the cultural impact of musicians. He also acknowledged the national government’s role in fostering a digital economy, which has significantly benefited the entertainment industry.
“Thanks to President William Ruto’s proactive engagement with platforms like TikTok and YouTube, our young people now have opportunities to monetize their creative works,” Sakaja stated, praising the President’s international efforts to promote Kenyan content creators.
Encouraging youth participation, Sakaja added that no permits are needed for shooting content in Nairobi over the weekends, thus easing the process for aspiring content creators to earn a living from their talents.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Friday, September 20, 2024, hit out at the embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, telling him to keep Nairobi residents out of his politics.
Sakaja, who remarked that he had avoided a confrontation with Gachagua for a long time, indicated that he had been moved to speak out after the second in command held a meeting in the heart of the city and reportedly misinformed traders speaking in his vernacular.
“I have for long avoided responding to the Deputy President’s tribal diatribe, but today’s activities leave me no choice. This morning, in a misinformed tribal diatribe, and while speaking in vernacular in the heart of our nation’s capital, you have chosen to use falsehoods to incite traders against the measures we are taking,” Sakaja remarked.
This comes just days after Gachagua advised Sakaja against a planned relocation of traders from the Wakulima Market in the city, noting that he had been receiving complaints since he had guaranteed them that their businesses would not be disrupted.
“My younger brother Governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market, Nairobi County, have called me and reminded me of the undertaking you and I jointly gave them in July 2022 as I campaigned for you in Muthurwa,” Gachagua said on September 12, 2024, adding: “Kindly, do consider having a sitting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes your government desires without adversely affecting their livelihoods.”
Sakaja responded by telling Gachagua that he had his phone number and that he could easily call him to discuss the issues.
However, Sakaja now states that Gachagua has yet to reach out to resolve the contentious matters that had arisen from the city decongestion exercise.
“To Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua I say: If only you had taken your phone and called me as I had suggested, you would have learnt a few things,” Sakaja stated.
Adding: “What we will not allow are traders endangering their lives by selling their wares on the roadside. They will move to Kangundo Road Market. However, if you have sufficient space outside your office on Harambee Avenue, I am sure they will be happy to display their wares and ply their trade in that safe environment.”
The Nairobi governor also clarified that traders at the Marikiti market would not be affected by the displacement, noting that only selected produce would be delivered to the other markets to help with decongestion efforts.
He emphasised that his government would not be engaged in politics at the expense of the safety of traders in the city, noting that traders selling their wares along the roads risked danger from vehicles.
“We agreed on these and other measures that will ease congestion in the market and improve the safety and welfare of our traders and citizens. We will not allow you to take us back,” Sakaja noted.
Adding: “Nairobi is a cosmopolitan global hub that will operate in an orderly manner. I can assure you of that. I know you are dealing with other weighty and impending political issues. Keep the people of Nairobi out of it.”
Woes surrounding Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appear to be far from over after it emerged that his administration cannot account for Sh 144 million from donors’ contributions towards the school feeding program dubbed Dishi Na County.
An oversight committee yesterday heard that the money in question was contributed by the French Government to help support the program launched by Governor Sakaja in October 2023.
County Executive Committee (CEC) for Health Su- san Silantoi told the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee chaired by Mountain View MCA Maurice Ochieng that the County is yet to put in place regulations for the Dishi na County funds.
She also said that there has not been any direct exchange of funds between the county and the donor.
“We submitted regulations of the fund to the assembly in December but were told they have to go to the delegated committee first, so up to now they have not been approved,” Silantoi added.
The donor funds were paid to the Food for Education Foundation, a non profit organisation which is the implementing partner in charge of the Dishi na County program that also operates in other counties.
Nairobi City County CEC Health Susan Silantoi appears before the Health Committee, led by Mountain View MCA Maurice Ochieng, to discuss the operations and accounts of the Dishi na County Program. Photo/Samson Wire
Under the Nairobi Program, the County contributes
Sh25 for every child while parents have to contribute Sh5 for every child. Another Sh15 is contributed by the fund’s partners and well wishers.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Dishi na County program Wawira Nyambura told the committee that the Sh144million were received as a donation to 25,000 children who are unable to pay five shillings.
Nyambura said the organisation receives contributions on a daily basis from Kenyans and well wishers but could only disclose the amount donated by the French government and specifically for Nairobi County.
“We have received money for the 25,000 children that we had proposed meals for from the French Government which is one million Euros the rest of the money is not for Nairobi,” she said.
Signing of the 1M€ support from the French government towards the #Dishinacounty program in 2023 aimed at contributing to promote access and retention of students in school, especially girls, improve learning, health and student nutrition and support local food systems and markets.
County programe
Nyambura added, “Our donors are everywhere,we have everyday Kenyans who are contributing,”
The contributions are made through a technology called Tao to Eat which the organisers says makes it easy to validate thousands of children within a short time.
The Dishi na County program in Nairobi produces 184,000 meals per day against an enrollment of 360,000 children which means more than half of the children have no access to the meals. Initially,the county targeted to produce 250,000 meals per day.
The Health CEC revealed that the county has so far used Sh623million on the feeding program.
The committee members insisted that the county must produce details of all donor funds and other well wishers contributions to the programme but the CEC said only the implementing partner can.
She said that currently, the County used the PFM Act 2012 to set up the fund but the county can only have full control once the assembly approves proposed regulations.
This casts doubt on the accountability of the funds with the committee chairman questioning why the county did not bring the said regulations before the health committee which is mandated to oversight the program.
The CEC only clarified how the 45 shillings per child is costed. “The 45 shillings includes the cost of ingredi- ents, transport, logistics, payment of staff, running of kitchens so everything is encompassed,” she said
The Dishi na County CEO on the other hand added that the meals provided are a balanced diet.
The program has been resisted by some parents who have questioned the standards of the means being cooked for their children.
Nairobi County Assembly Ken Ng’ondi has found himself in hot coal following a viral video of him forcing a handshake that has been viewed as a physical and sexual harassment by many observants. A section of Kenyans are now calling for commencement of criminal charges against him.
In the video seen by Kenya Insights, the speaker who was celebrating his birthday and shaking hands with other MCAs, stretched out his hands to unnamed Muslim lady in the crowd she was however unwilling to shake his hands back. Mr. Ng’ondi then proceeded to grab her hand in a bid to force the handshake.
The Speaker appeared to ‘tease’ her into shaking his hand while he put his arm around her shoulder dragging her to stand up. Noticing the attention drawn to her, she covered her face with her black hijab.
It could be seen that in her unwillingness to shake hands, they were not in good terms and he acknowledged that fact, he can be heard saying “today you must greet me, it’s my birthday,” he then goes ahead to lift her up to force her for a photo op, in this scuffle, he ends up grabbing her breasts.
Reactions
The video has elicited anger from many who’re now calling for a firm action against the county speaker.
“This is physical assault, a gross trespass to the person of the lady. I will be very suprised if criminal charges are not preferred.” Lawyer Ahmednasir said.
“This woman has all the right to level charges against him as it qualifies as sexual harassment intimidation aside. She should have stood up and told him ” don’t dare lay your hands on me ” . Trust me even a fool will come back to his senses. If I am the husband of this women I will certainly sue him.” Hotelier Mohammed Hersi said.
“Uncouth. The woman shoukd take legal action.” Billow Kerrow, former Mandera Senator added.
Meanwhile, the Association of Muslim Lawyers’ in Kenya has issued a statement condemning the act and calling for the DCI to promptly investigate the matter and press charges on the matter.
“The Association of Muslim Lawyers vehemently condemns the despicable act by the Speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly, forcefully demanding a Muslim woman to shake his hand which amounts to sexual and physical assault. Such reprehensible behavior is criminal, unethical, immoral and not only violates her religious beliefs but also constitutes a grave violation of bodily autonomy and dignity.” The statement reads in part.
Sh1 million bribery
Staying in the oven, the speaker has at the same time been accused of bribery.
Mr. Ng’ondi is being accused by Ronald Angwenyi Orina of taking Sh1M bribe from him with the promise of securing him a county chief executive job that he didn’t deliver.
In a letter dated 21st February, 2024 and addressed to the speaker and Governor Johnson Sakaja, Mr. Ronald is asking for a refund from Mr. Ng’ondi for failing to meet the end of the bargain for the unholy deal.
“Following our earlier communication to the effect that the process of seeking for employment as Chief Officer for Nairobi City County Government you were pursuing for me was unsuccessful, I plead with you to find reason to return the KES.1, 000,000 you received from me for the purpose.” Mr. Ronald states.
He adds that his action for seeking refund has been prompted by harsh economic times in the country adding that he’s still jobless having been allegedly conned by the speaker and worse that he’s an orphan who is struggling financially.
Mr. Ronald in the letter seen by Kenya Insights says that the speaker has been avoiding him, “you lately seem to have avoided me in a manner that is now hide and seek and it appears you do not seem to bother whether the money you received from me had a purpose and the sole purpose which was to help me secure a job in government.” It says.
“It would not be the right thing to make me incur extra cost calling for help from all and sundry to ensure that you find meaning to return the money not unless knowingly or willfully your intention was to fraudulently obtain from me without intention of helping to secure a job.”
He also added that he holds solid proof of the claims including hard copy documents, photos, video footages, mpesa records and live witnesses.
He asks the leader to advice on when he’ll pay him back.
Common fraud
What befell Mr. Ronald is unfortunately not unusual with many desperate job seekers getting fleeced millions by relatively powerful individuals who rob them in the pretext of securing them opportunities by the allure of their perceived influence.
A prominent case is that of a Mr. James Abuki who lost over Sh9 million to a strong youthful Kisii MP with a powerful position in the parliament and who had convinced him to secure his place as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS).
Mr. Abuki’s dreams quickly become a nightmare as he has been left Sh9 million in the red, after borrowing extensively to pay “facilitation fees” to people he thought were senior civil servants close to President William Ruto, and who would catapult him into a corner office.
His concerted efforts to recover the money has been futile with police taking too long to investigate the matter that has run cold since June 2023 when he first reported it to Kasarani Police Station.
So brazen are the fraudsters of this vicious racketeering ring that in some instances , they register new phone numbers in the names of senior government officials, such as Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, to hoodwink their prey into believing that bribes are being channeled to the right people in high places to facilitate plum jobs.
Perhaps of more concern, the racketeers have infiltrated some State corporations, whose staff use official emails to trick victims into thinking that they are being considered for corner office jobs. This, it turns out, is just bait to extract more bribes from the unsuspecting victims.
Meanwhile, the pressure on the police to take action on the speaker continues to Mount and only time will tell how this goes. As for the bribery allegations, the EACC is responsible for investigating.
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has found himself in the center of a complex land grabbing scandal of a 18-acre piece in Loresho valued over Sh2 billion.
According to reports, the governor finds himself in the circus of the 16-years old land tussle after offering hundreds of millions to buy the contested land from a controversial owner. It was recently featured in the news when the Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome attempted to intervene but was kicked out by the purported owner and his goons.
Nairobi businessmen Ashok Rupshi Shah and Hitenkumar Raja claim to own the land however former Nairobi provincial administrator Davis Nathan Chelogoi is also claiming the same piece and has been occupying it.
History of the land
As of March, three parties were dangling three different title deeds, all claiming ownership of the same property. The courts have dealt with the authenticity of two of the titles and concluded that the one held by Ashok Rupshi Shah and Hitenkumar Amritlal Raja is genuine. Judges dismissed the one of Jacob Juma, who died in 2016. Juma’s widow and administrator of his estate, Miriam, says she will take the matter to the Appellate Court.
Slain businessman Jacob Juma assassinated in 2016.
She is represented by city lawyer and former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi. Then there is the third and most recent title held by Mr Chelogoi.
Ashok bought grabbed land
Deep in the scandal, court documents seen by Kenya Insights show businessman Ashok had bought the controversial land from other fraudulent businessmen.
Mr. Shah Kirankumar Dharamshi and Mr. Dipti Kiran Shah were charged before the chief’s magistrate court in kibera on 15/10/2008 with the offences of forging a title deed (forgery) contrary to section 350(1) of the penal code, making a false document without authority contrary to section 357 of the penal code and obtaining 33,000,000 from yourself Ashok Shah by falsely pretending they were in a position to sell you the land in question contrary to section 313 of the penal code.
Sakaja
According to reports by a local newspaper, governor Sakaja had entered into a deal with Mr. Chelogoi to buy from him the contested land for Sh900 million. The deal was made on April 18, 2023 and through Sakaja’s company Ayoti Ltd.
At the time Sakaja was making the deal, the property was a subject of a court dispute and as Mr Chelogoi who in the agreement is referred to as the vendor had already filed an application for joinder as an interested party in a case pitting Ashok Shah and Hitenkumar Raja against Juma.
The application made on Aug 3, 2022 raises eyebrows as to why the governor entered into a deal with Chelogoi knowing well the matter was before the court.
The amount agreed (Sh900M) was also half the current market value begging the question why and the speed.
According to the registrar’s records seen by Kenya Insights, Ayoti Ltd was incorporated on January 13, 2020 and has not declared a physical location, according to Business Registration Service records.
The governor is the sole shareholder with 10 shares. He is also the only director.
Ayoti Ltd records.
In March, a Milimani Court directed that Chelogoi be charged for the offence of fraudulent acquisition of a Multi-billion shillings property located at Loresho, Nairobi.
Trial Magistrate Dolphina Alego said Chelogoi has never appeared in court to take plea as directed.
She said the court will visit Chelogoi either in hospital as claimed by his defense lawyer or wherever he will be for the purpose of plea taking.
The Magistrate said the application made by defense counsel professor Tom Ojienda on grounds that his client is unwell and subsequent production of medical documents can no longer be entertained by the court.
Chelogoi has been fighting over the ownership of the land since 2009 but lost the fight when the Environment and Land Court ruled that it was grabbed by late businessman Jacob Juma in 2008.
The court ruled in 2022 that Juma, who died in May 2016, obtained documents to the land fraudulently.
The latest lend scandal adds to the many allegations of corruption that has marred the governor who has only been in office for two years. He has been accused of allegedly siphoning county funds and buying off properties overseas including the U.S. and Dubai.
Questions have been raised as to how he has been able to raise billions enough to buy such properties given his salary that doesn’t come close to buying a sensible fraction of what he owns.
In related matters, others are now questioning the legitimacy of wealth accumulated by public officials who seek to be in a rush to amass wealth, “Cabinet Ministers and Governors earns about Kshs. 2m per month; total Kshs. 120m in Five Years. That is the maximum they’ll earn in FIVE YEARS. But in less than two years in office, Ministers & Governors are buying multi-billion properties locally & abroad. When will EACC arrest them?” Lawyer Donald Kipkorir posed.
Former Presidential candidate Prof Ole Kiyapi termed the accumulation as theft, “Such primitive accumulation of wealth (blatant theft) by public officials is an indictment on the Kenya soul – EACC operates peripherally, unable to dig deep and route our official corruption. Deals orchestrated through scandalous procurements is our bane! Ain’t rocket science!”
A businesswoman has written to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over the refusal by county officials to remove illegally installed water tanks, smoke extractor and gas cylinder at a popular restaurant.
Joanina Wanjiku Maina, the landlady of the building that houses Trattoria Restaurant pointed out in a letter to Sakaja that the High Court quashed approval granted to the restaurant to install the items including a cold storage.
She said through her lawyer Kethi Kilonzo that the LPG Gas has blocked the fire exit, posing risk to other tenants at Town House building.
“We urge you to guide your officers in charge of Public health to protect the public, the county’s main commercial District, your personal physical well-being and the rule of law,” lawyer Kethi told Governor Sakaja on the letter.
Despite the High Court decision, Sakaja’s administration has refused to enforce the removal of the offending installations and has instead prosecuted the landlady with the view of intimidating her.
“The 1000kg LPG gas cylinder on the fire the exit, and the wall constructed blocking the fire exit is not only a danger to the environs but also a danger to you and the county government officials who sits within impact distance, God forbid should the LPG cylinder explode,” says businesswoman Maina through lawyer Kethi.
The proprietor of City’s Trattoria Restaurant is facing contempt charges alongside the Nairobi county executive officer in charge of health over failure to obey a court order issued five years ago.
Maina is the owner of the building located at Central Business District, which is land reference No. 209/2362, Town house, and which has been subject to litigation from High Court to the Supreme Court between the owner of the building and Trattoria Restaurant owner Gaetano Ruffo.
The litigation stemmed from the move by county government to approve for placement of items on the fire exit and assembly points of the buildings, including a 1000kg LPG cylinder, that pause a continuing danger to public health.
The county continue to fail to enforce the removal of LPG cylinder despite a disaster that happened in Embakasi the other day.
Controversy surrounds the launch of Chinese Property Developers Association in Nairobi, raising concerns about property development influence. Skepticism has been expressed by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, human rights activist Jerotich Seii and real estate experts over potential impacts. There are specific issues in Nairobi which highlight broader questions about transparency and Chinese investments in Kenya’s real estate.
Former Kenya’s Chief Justice has joined voices with other concerned Kenyans following the launch of Chinese Property Developers Association in Nairobi last week. According to the association, they aim to to boost property development in the country.
The Association’s President Zhang Jiaping said the association has been established as a platform that will act as a bridge to serve society and benefit humanity.
However, many are reading from a different script with suspicions that there could be more into it than what the Chinese are saying.
“Nairobi has been auctioned off to the highest bidder under the “solicitous” gaze of Governor Johnson Sakaja.” Jerotich Seii, human rights activist says.
“The Chinese Association will turn whatever is left of the Green City in the Sun into a vast, unrecogizable jungle of high rise, concrete tenements that will enrich their Chinese shareholders and Kenyan surrogates, all the while destroying our children’s future.” She sounded the alarm.
She accuses the Chinese of operating with impunity in the country disregarding ethics laws. “The Chinese Property Developers Association and their ilk fear no one – probably not even the law – and laugh at Nairobians because they know that the top leadership, including the Governor, already backs them. They will continue to exploit “grey areas” in spite of clear zoning regulations, environmental codes NEMA and constitutionally enshrined public participation requirements. They will despite their assertions – continue to hide behind architects and contractors who allegedly grease palms as needed aka the-cost-of-doing-business-in-Kenya. Their demarche on Nairobi is akin to a melting iceberg and I want to believe that we will wake up before we drown.”
In echoing her sentiments, Dr. Mutunga said, “Xi Jinping tells the world that China is different from the West. Like the West China does not respect our Constitution. Until we realize how enslaved our corrupt political leadership and the leadership of our institutions are we will lose our country.”
He went further, “I once described our economy as a bandit one ruled by national and international cartels. We are ruled by forces whose names don’t appear on the ballot papers when we vote. Those who entertain the idea that China will liberate the Global South from the West should think again.”
Okawo Nashon, a real estate expert in Nairobi has termed the association as a joke and insult to the professionals in the country, “it is a shameful joke that should be condemned and resisted. So what will be next; Chinese Engineers Association? Italians Contractors Association? Or Mongolian Architects Association? Why not join the well established Kenya Property Developers Association?What is so special about these Chinese developers? We want sanity in this industry not some entitled people out to kick the can down the road and flee back when things will be messy. Make no mistake, we welcome everybody, but we must have some order.” He opined.
Governor Sakaja and Chinese Property Developers Association Kenya during the launch.
During the launch, the Association’s President Zhang Jiaping said the association has been established as a platform that will act as a bridge to serve society and benefit humanity. Zhang said the association will act per government approvals and construct according to approved drawings. At the same time, he noted that the association will seek to protect the rights and interests of property owners.
At the backdrop of all this, one of the leaders in the association has been doing the opposite of what’s they’re saying and promising.
To elaborate that the association is not as ‘harmless’ and seeks to only do good things, Ms Seii who is also a leader of Kilimani Estate residents association, exposed how Alina Valley Company Ltd, a company associated with Mr. Jack Wu as the Managing Director. Mr. Wu also happens to be the Vice Chair of the Chinese Property Developers Association.
It emerges that the company has allegedly been frustrating the residents of Kilimani by putting up a structure contrary to the laid rules of the estate.
Anatomy of Corruption
April 2022: Alina Valley Company Ltd. begins to mobilise heavy duty machinery on a 1 acre plot on Likoni Lane to build 3 blocks of 17 storey apartments. They have no County Approvals, NEMA or NCA Licences. The residents are up in arms and block the road, forcing the developer to demobilise.
2. Residents demand that public participation is carried out. Alina attempts to carry out a sham public participation, where the Kenyan architect presents drawings labelled Chinese. The residents reject the project and ask the developer to go back to the drawing board and revise the drawings to meet the zoning guidelines and present them in English.
3. Alina returns and tries to forcefully carry public participation without giving the necessary notices and in the rain to discourage the residents from participating. The residents reject this and send the developer away.
4. Alina mysteriously gets approvals from the County without any public participation. The residents engage the Physical Planning Department to interrogate how this can be possible. The County duly ignores the residents.
5. Alina then submits an EIA report to NEMA to apply for a licence. The residents engage NEMA and submit a comprehensive counter report outlining the unsuitability of the site for such a high- impact project.
6. Because the report by the residents makes sense, Alina decides to cancel the NEMA Licence application and begin the process all over again as advised by some NEMA insiders.
7. Alina once again attempts to force public participation to tick a box in meeting the legal NEMA requirements by hiring goons to attend the meeting and intimidate the residents, some who even threatened the lives of the residents. This is reported to NEMA and the County.
8. The County suspends all the approvals they had granted to the developer on account of the above.
9. The developer submits a fresh EIA report to NEMA, without any public participation. The residents counter this with a comprehensive report and signed petitions, with evidence of intimidation by the developer. NEMA disregards all of the above and grants the developer a licence.
10. Apropos of nothing, the Chinese Property Developers Association pays a visit to State House and meets with the First Lady, giving a donation of 100 water tanks and 10,000 tonnes of maize. (This often seen as a gesture of asking for favors).
The donations.
11. In early January 2024, the Chinese Property Developers Association visits Governor Sakaja.
12. The very next day, the suspended approvals for Alina Valley by the County are ‘mysteriously’ reinstated, and the NCA also grants them a licence in a record 24 hrs.
13. January 16, 2024, construction begins with earnest on the site. The narrow roads on Likoni Lane are unable to accommodate the construction trucks and machinery, so the roads are blocked by the trucks and the residents cannot access their homes. All this had been highlighted to NEMA in the report submitted by the residents, but fell on deaf ears as envelopes changed hands.
But one wonders how they can be able to pull off such projects.
They will invite you to fill in some questionnaires (and probably pad them with cooked responses). And then they will invite you to attend a public participation meeting. They will set it on a weekday and with less than a 14 day notice. You will object – because who wants 18 storeys built beacon to beacon next to them?
They will go away. Regroup. Go back to the County. Cook their EIA (usually written by someone from NEMA) and submit it to NEMA. Get their approvals at lightning speed.
Invade that property. Construct. And you can all go to hell.
Prior to That:
1. Scavenge for leasehold properties whose leases are coming to an end (preferably with elderly or deceased owners). OR prey on those who properties are so devalued through being surrounded by high rise buildings (also build by said Chinese). OR dupe some non-forward thinking individual into a JV using his/her land.
2. Import their architectural plans directly from China; written in Mandarin – not for our ease of reference. Find a local architect (usually not a very seasoned professional) to register/localise the plan.
3. Find their local fixers who are usually a combination of Chinese nationals (now Kenyan citizens) who are now called Aaron, Jack, etc, who work with a couple of Kenyans who are either the thuggish type or those who drive around in big vehicles wearing Gucci and entice neighbours and associations to receive “compensation” for what they are about to do. One such lady approached us on Ndemi Road and it was clear that her Mandarin was better than her English or even Kiswahili.
4. Look for the rogue-est of rogue salvagers/excavators who know how to “deal” with the locals.
5. Descend on the County, NEMA and all the usual suspects that need softening and all manner of inducements.
6. Pretend to tick boxes knowing full well that their “development” is already a fait accompli.
Ms Jerotich says the Kilimani case is not isolated, “this story is almost identical everywhere you go in Kilimani and beyond. How Nairobi City County and NEMA have turned against Nairobians is incredible. The Chinese Property Developers Association believes that by repackaging themselves; running to State House; giving donations; and then running to Governor Sakaja, they are above the law and the wishes of Kenyans. They are counting on our silence as they continue their demarche.”
She adds, “we speak up now or forever hold our peace. This is not just about Kilimani. This is about the Nairobi We Want for future generations and the Chinese Property Developers Association can only but contribute to a dystopian future because they have been allowed to run amok.”
The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome and the Director of Criminal Investigation Mohamed Amin have been summoned to appear in court physically on Monday 20th November 2023 over the alleged abduction of a Nairobi county employee.
Justice Chacha Mwita ordered the two to appear in court and explain the whereabouts of Osman Khalif a personal assistant to Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja who is said to have been kidnapped at Sarit Centre on Friday 10th November 2023.
The Judge’s orders came after Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri, lawyers Dancun Okatch and Oringo Waswa representing Osman Khalif informed the Judge that the orders issued by the court seeking to have him or his abductors brought to court have not been complied with.
Justice Mwita has also ordered Safaricom PLC limited to produce car tracking records of abductors’ vehicle.
According to the LSK, Osman who is an employee of Nairobi County was abducted a week ago while in the company of his wife who was left at the parking at Sarit Centre in Nairobi.
According to Yasin, his brother was taken by people who were driving a double-cabin motor vehicle registration number KCT 163H. “They had pistols with them and they refused to identify themselves. Up to now, we have no idea where my brother is,” he added.
The family has added that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was aware of what was happening but yet to reach out to the family.
Abdi served as the MCA for South C ward from 2017 but was defeated by Abbas Khalif of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in last year’s general election. He has been in the middle of City Hall scandals that has challenged the city boss.
Pastoralists Parliamentary group led by Kamukunji Mp Yusuf are demanding the Inspector General Japhet Koome to release former South C MCA Osman Khalif whom they allege was abducted by security agencies.
Call it dirty linen washing Friday, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja declared violence on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekends going for each other’s neck by engaging in a war of words that saw the two politicians holding nothing back as they accused each other of drug addiction.
At one point Babu appeared to out the governor as being an LGBTQ member when he referred to him as ‘Team Rainbow ?’ ‘anakulwa matako (he’s getting banged)’ in the heat of the moment. “You have stolen a lot from Nairobi county and addicted to alcohol and Bhang. You are advised to stop being a girlfriend we have more than enough ladies in Kenya.” Babu said. Sakaja swung back claiming to have slept with the MP’s wife in a subtle comeback, “I think someone in your house will vehemently refute the rainbow claims you’re making.”
All these came after the Nairobi governor was ranked bottom ten in the latest report on the governor’s scorecard angering Owino who took issue with the Governor’s performance
“Sakaja is an embarrassment to the People of Nairobi. How can you be ranked last out of 47 Counties? Kazi ni Kuiba pesa Za Nairobi County and buying Houses in America, London, and Dubai,” Stated Babu.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino.
The report however was dismissed by Sakaja who claimed to have achieved more than he had been credited for. Sakaja went on to list some of the transformations the city under the sun had undergone under his leadership.
Corruption
He said that he has increased ward-based projects to Ksh.23 million per ward from Ksh.17 million, built markets, and restarted projects stalled for the last 6 years among other projects.
Owino took a swipe at Sakaja dismissing his sentiments as pure lies saying that the figures had been cooked.
“Stop lying you gave MCAs 1200 bursary forms at 5k each which amounts to 6 million shillings, not Ksh.23M which you are claiming. Every ward is supposed to get 23m shillings per year for bursaries, where’s the Ksh.17M shillings per ward for 85 wards= Ksh.1.4B shillings?” Stated Owino.
The accusation however did not settle well with Nairobi Governor Sakaja who came out to defend himself while accusing Owino of being high on drugs.
“If you removed the white stuff you are stuffing up your nose, you’d realize there’s a difference between bursaries and Ward-based Development Funds (WDF), Bursaries are Ksh.7M per ward (85 wards). (Ksh.2.5M term 1, Ksh.2.5M term 2, and Ksh.2M term 3). Up from Ksh.4.5M. Every ward is getting WDF of Ksh.23 million for Development not bursaries. Up from Ksh.17M.” stated Sakaja.
Babu, was ready to go lower with Sakaja coming directly for him
“You said in your previous post that you gave bursaries worth Ksh.23M shillings in every ward. You are nothing in the intellectual parlance hence should stop misusing numbers, we are not in TEAM-building activities. You have stolen a lot from Nairobi County and addicted to alcohol and Bhang,” fired Owino.
“For the white stuff, I stopped its consumption but you are advised to stop being a girlfriend we have more than enough ladies in Kenya. Catfish. The day you went for liposuction you also melted your brain cells.”
Sakaja dismissed Owino’s claims that he had stopped using cocaine accusing him of embezzling funds. “ I used to drink alcohol, smoke bhang and did cocaine. I stopped all these on the 18th January 2020. Now let’s talk about your addiction to alcohol, tobacco and Bhang. You drink till you urinate in your pants. You need to be in rehab not in Nairobi county.” Stated Babu.
“You’re clearly still high. You stopped when? A few minutes ago? Stop completely bro, cocaine will ruin you. Which post did I mention Ksh.23M per ward for bursaries? Show us,”
“Again, visit any of our facilities including Tassia Kwa Ndege, where I’ve reclaimed land stolen under your watch as MP. Visit them and you’ll get support against cocaine addiction. We’ve also built the first rehab at Sinai, VIWANDANI. ‘’he said.
Sh50M bribe to Ruto
Babu had a lot to say on the Tassia land saga, “The land in TASSIA belongs to Mr. Abdullahi, he bought it from NSSF and has a Title for it. You have an interest in the land which you want to grab from him for refusing to bribe you. You came to Parklands police station to gain political mileage coz either way I was taken to court and acquitted. As for THEFT of Public resources,why were you raided by the DCI, you went to meet Ruto in Kwale county with 50m which he refused to take,still raided the day after. You flew to London to avoid being arrested and to beg Baba to rescue you. Your CECs and Chief Officers have recorded statements at the Dci headquarters. The file is already with the EACC awaiting your Prosecution. You have eaten more than the owner can notice. You paid 2B to companies for jobs not done. You collect 5/- from parents in Nairobi in the name of school feeding program yet the program is budgeted for by the national government. You demand bribes from developers daily.”
School Feeding Program ‘Dishi’
The Twitter war between the two leaders stretched to Monday when Sakaja’s feeding program for school kids in Nairobi failed to take off forcing kids to go hungry in different schools. Babu took the opportunity to further hammer his opponent whom he now sarcastically refers to as ‘her excellency’.
It was after the reply that many including Babu challenged the governor to post a video showing the kids eating from their schools but he didn’t post instead, he fired a salvo by replying to Babu with a video of the shooting incident involving DJ Evolve which many read as escapism. Numerous reports indicated that the feeding program failed to take off on Monday making the governor to resort to sideshows and propaganda to mask his failure.
The war between the two Nairobi leaders comes as the two of them eye to contest for the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat in 2027, with Owino eyeing to replace Sakaja and Sakaja looking forward to defending his seat.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into suspected fraudulent payment of hundreds of millions of shillings by the county government of Nairobi for goods never supplied and services not rendered.
DCI says the nine listed firms are believed to have been used in a money laundering scheme and fraudulent payments.
In a letter dated July 21, the Director of DCI’s Investigations Bureau (IB) David Birech wrote to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja demanding a list of tender documents, requisitions by user department, award contracts, delivery and inspection reports and all local purchase orders issued to profiled nine companies believed to have been used to siphon the money.
“This office is investigating a case of suspected money laundering in which Nairobi County Government is alleged to have fraudulently made payments to companies which did not render services,” Birech wrote.
“We further request to assign officers who have knowledge of the various processes listed above to assist us with information on their roles and record statements to that effect,” the letter added.
Collusion with officers
Preliminary investigations reveal that various section heads colluded with procurement officers, contractors and the County Treasury officials to siphon hundreds of millions from the public coffers.
The nine companies are Larsen Investment Company, Burasha General Suppliers Limited Tweem Limited, Future Link Limited, and Cloud Mobile Technologies Limited. Others are AR Pharmaceuticals Limited, Instabul Investment Limited, Ramecon Engineering Limited and Brigit West Limited.
DCI’s probe comes just a month after the Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang’o declined to approve Sh1.5billion expenditure requisitions they made to pay legal fees and development expenditure without proper providing supportive documents.
Nairobi County government had made an exchequer requisition of Sh2 billion to 19 law firms as pending bills without proper documentation. City Hall further made an additional clearance request of Sh379million categorised as development expenditure of building and construction supplies claimed to be ‘air supply’.
“The schedule of 19 firms to be paid does not include the invoices’ dates; therefore, it is difficult to ascertain whether they are pending bills or related to works done and invoiced in the current financial year. Please, therefore, revise the schedule to include the date of the invoices and attached copies of the payment vouchers for the 19 firms,” the CoB wrote. The letter, dated June 27, Ref: COB/NBI/001/171(11), was addressed to Sakaja through the Finance and Economic Planning County Executive Committee Member Charles Kerich.
“Further, it is difficult to match the proposed payments with the pending bills report earlier presented to this office,” the CoB added.
COB requisitions
Sakaja’s administration made the two requisitions on June 19 (Sh562,124,660) and another amounting to Sh509,152,645.
Nyakang’o instructed the County Treasury to provide the basis for the legal fees, status of each court case including copies of judgment where applicable.
Also, the CoB’s office demanded a clear breakdown detailing the criteria used in the selection of the said payments, the recommended ‘first-in-first-out’ method used in identifying the bills and information on whether the proposed payment is a partial payment or a final payment to the legal firms.
The payments had also been blocked through a law suit. According to documents filed in court, Sakaja’s administration owes various law firms more than Sh21billion as pending bills as of January 2023.
Documents filed in court show the law firms to be paid include Makallah Theuri & Company Advocates (Sh60million), L.N Nyaribo & Company (Sh50million), Okatch & Partners (70million), Okubasu Munene & Kazungu Advocates (Sh30million), Gikunda Miriti & Company (Sh67million) and Masire & Mogusu (Sh27.5million). Others are Anne Munene & Company (Sh34million), Koceyo & Company Advocates (Sh43.8million), Roba & Associates (51.8million), Ummi Bashir & Company Advocates (Sh32million), J.W Wachira Advocates (Sh58million), Momanyi and Associates (Sh91million), Jamal Bake & Associates (Sh47million) and Bespoke Insurance Brokers Limited (Sh28million).
As candidates race to capture the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the coming August polls, ethnicity remains a factor that will play a huge role as it is the norm in Kenyan politics.
The Luhya community for instance feels that it is their chance to occupy the City Hall after backing their Luo neighbors in the two previous polls.
In early 2022, a group of individuals identifying themselves as ‘Mulembe Grass root Leaders’ demanded that the Nairobi governor seat be preserved for them.
They argued that the presidential seat is heading to Luo Nyanza and the deputy president position heading to the Mt Kenya region and so the Nairobi seat was their only bargaining power.
But not only the distribution of positions, Luhyas also have numbers to front for the coveted seat in Nairobi and their candidate can attract other ethnic groups that vote alongside Luos like the Kisiis, Kambas and others tribes from the coastal region who reside and vote in the country’s capital.
This has led to many politicians eyeing the seat to front themselves as Luhyas though the seat can go to any Kenyan not necessarily a Luhya.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja is man rumored to be Teso, Luhya, Saboati, Kalenjin, Luo and many more but for political reasons and for his quest to clinch the Naiorbi seat, the man says he is a Luhya.
Sakaja began positioning himself as a Luhya eyeing the Nairobi seat when he maintained walking around ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi in every political gathering to identify with the Mulembe nation.
But the young senator is always and silent when Luhyas are under attack or in need of a political voice to defend them.
He was a no show during a mass lay off of City Hall employees where a majority of those affected were from the Luhya community. City Hall cartels kicked them out on a lazy belief that they were illegally awarded jobs when Beatrice Elach was the Speaker of Nairobi County Assembly but they went through a competitive process.
Majority of the staffers at the City Hall are from the Kikuyu community followed by Kenya-Somali which ought to have been the targets.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja [p/courtesy]Sakaja who sits at the senate and ‘was not a Luhya’ then, remained silent when he was expected to raise his voice as a way of playing his oversight role to defend the people he expects to vote for him in the August 9 polls.
He chose to sit on the fence despite being fully aware that auditing firm, Powerhouse Coopers (PWC) was hired to formulate strategies to streamline City Hall and kick out ghost workers when Elachi came to power.
Elachi succeeded Alex Magelo who was the speaker Abdi Guyo was the Majoity Leader and Jacob Ngwele the clerk, meaning there were more Somalis, Maasai and Kambas in high ranking positions than Luhyas.
PWC found out that many Luhyas had been overlooked due to their political incorrectness and advised that they be promoted.
But the move angered cartels and Guyo who Sakaja had no nerves to take on as they directed for the demotion of Luhyas despite them being promoted by Public Service Commission (PSC) based on merits.
They approached Sakaja for assistance since the matter had turned into case of nepotism but the self professed Super Senator kicked them out of his office.
May be he was not a Luhya then or he feared that he could also be exposed since he has been involved in mega scandals including Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) where tenders were awarded to politically connected individuals.
Sakaja who is flying UDA gubernatorial flag in Nairobi was part of the Sh.7.8 billion PPE scandal at the State Agency. He was reported by the then procurement director Charles Juma who was grilled by Public Investments Committee.
The UDA politician also came under scrutiny in the run up to 2017 elections after his transcripts were shared online showing that his academic grades oscillated between Es and Ds.
He was eyeing the gubernatorial seat then but after being deconstructed by exiled Kenyan lawyer Dr. Miguna Miguna who was also eyeing the same seat, Sakaja shelved his ambitions and went for the senatorial seat. He is back and eyeing the gubernatorial seat as a Luhya.
He will face off with Jubilee’s Polycarp Igathe who was endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga. Before Igathe’s endorsement, the race had shaped up to be a battle between Sakaja and ODM’s Tim Wanyonyi who was coerced to shelve his bid and back Igathe.
Wanyonyi who belongs to the Luhya extract was expected to give Sakaja a run for his money given his long political experience in Nairobi and a track record that speaks volumes.
Sakaja who remains desperate for Luhya support was quick to pose with the Westlands MP for a photo to woo the Luhya nation just moments after Wanyonyi dropped his bid.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry(KNCCI) boss Richard Ngatia who’s eyeing the Nairobi’s Gubernatorial seat is not seating easy as more focus has been on him lately more so on his academic credentials.
In what could open up his untold past, a city resident George Mwanzia, who also says he’s a Jubilee Party member in which Ngatia is contesting on, has filled a petition with the party claiming that Ngatia doesn’t have a degree and the one he purports to be holding is not from a university recognized in Kenya, a key requirement for all gubernatorial contestants.
He wants him to be stopped from the race over for allegedly holding dubious academic credentials.
In the last week, a supposed degree certificate for Ngatia has been doing heavy rounds on social media. According to the document seen by Kenya Insights, Ngatia was issued a degree in BA.Corporate Leadership and Governance from San Juan De La Cruz University in Costa Rica. We did a research on the authenticity of the school and while it’s a credited institution, it appears to also be a target of scammers who’ve opened many fake websites targeting those looking for quick degrees.
We also can’t confirm if the document doing rounds is also indeed Ngatia or not but we’ve written to the university’s board seeking clairity on this and will update. In hit campaigns by opponents, Ngatia’s KCSE certificate was also leaked online with claims that he scored a D(plain) a grade that in Kenya doesn’t qualify you to register with any local University as it’s the second last in grading system.
Mwanzia maintains that where there’s smoke there’s fire and that the aspirant doesn’t hold a genuine academic certificate which should automatically block him from the race.
“Richard Ngatia does not hold a degree from a university recognised in Kenya. Therefore, he should not be allowed to participate in the Jubilee party nominations exercise for Nairobi City County gubernatorial position,” reads Mwanzia’s petition sent to the party’s Executive Director.
Ngatia’s integrity has perhaps been the biggest hit he has had to face in present past as his name has featured prominently in key healthcare scandals. Ngatia who owns Megascope Healthcare Limited, was mentioned as one of the biggest beneficiaries in the now famous billionaires.
In the midst of all the circus, Jubilee Party is not putting all its eggs in one bucket, an insider has told us that they’re considering Polycarp Igathe as a possible replacement for Ngatia should his qualifications lock him out. The Azimio maths has always been to have a Kikuyu in the equation.
Already, there are rife talks on the higher tables that Igathe would’ve to deputize Tim Wanyonyi who appears to be the leading contender from various opinion polls.
Sakaja
Johnson Sakaja the immediate city Senator and now eying the governor seat is also having a rough time as his past come to haunt.
There are claims that he doesn’t hold a degree and had dropped out of the university after failing to attain the requirements from the actuarial science course he was pursuing at the University of Nairobi.
In 2017 elections, he became a punching bag for his opponents with one Evans Kidero calling him academic dwarf who didn’t have a degree. He silently dropped out of the governor race and went for senate, many believed it was because of lack of papers that made him bolt out.
Critics have also edged him out claiming he’s not a fully Luhya but has Kalenjin heritage. There are claims that his father was a Sabaot and infact an ID has been circulated showing his Kalenjin name as Koskei.
Here’s why this matters, Luhyas make a huge number of voters in Nairobi and with the voting dynamics in Kenya mostly ethnic, one is likely to scoop huge votes from their community. UDA went for Sakaja with hopes that he gets the Luhya votes which Tim Wanyonyi a Luhya to is banking on.
Like Ngatia, Sakaja has had integrity issues as a company linked to him was mentioned in the Kemsa scandal.
The process to finalize the kicking out of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko will kick off at the Senate today after he was impeached by Nairobi MCAs last week. 88 members of the county assembly voted in favor of the impeachment motion while only 2 MCAs voted against the move to oust the governor.
Troubled Sonko will the wait for another 10 days to know if the motion sponsored by Minority Leader Michael Ogada send him home or if he will pull a surprise survival.
The governor is also barred from accessing office over abuse of office and for grossly violating the County Governments Act, 2012, the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2015 and the Public Finance Management Act, 2012).
His critics also trashed him for refusing to approve the Sh37.4 billion that would bank roll operations by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
Sonko had managerial and political issues with the NMS Director Gen Mohammed Badi whom he accused of hijacking Nairobi.
Nominated senator Sylvia Kasanga said that today’s meeting will also determine whether the house will go the plenary or the committee way.
But the Senate’s Business Committee wants section 33 of the County Government Act applied.
“A special sitting is set for December 9 at 2:30pm. The business to be transacted at the sitting shall be the hearing of charges against Mike Sonko,” Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka wrote in a Kenya Gazette notice.
Sonko’s chances of survival will still be derailed by the by the fact that he has been beefing with senators he belittled whenever he was summoned over audit queries.
“Sonko’s character will be his greatest downfall. His arrogance and conduct when attending Senate committees might cost him,” a coward senator told a local daily and requested to remain anonymous.
A happy Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja [Image/courtesy]The fact that the flashy governor is also allied to the Deputy President William Ruto another blow. Ruto and his allies are not in good books with Senators allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Governor Sonko’s impeachment is coming at a time when the system is harsh on rogue and sycophantic members of Tangatanga, a wing that is allied to the DP and they definitely want to have Sonko replaced.
High ranking political figures are lobbying to have Sonko’s nominee for deputy governor Anne Kananu Mwenda take over as provided for in Article 182 of the constitution.
Ms Mwenda’s nomination stalled in the Assembly after a court case was filed to question the legitimacy of the process since it was made when Sonko had been barred from accessing his office over looting charges.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja who has been silent since his involvement in the massive looting of Covid-19 funds through Kemsa said the senate will be blind to political interests when executing the matter.
But the not so daring senator is also eyeing Sonko’s seat.
