Nairobi residents split in opinion after MCAs push for Governor Sakaja’s impeachment
The debate came amid reports that the ODM party had met with six Nairobi County Assembly leaders on Monday in a bid to address the rising impeachment calls against Sakaja and his deputy, Njoroge Muchiri.
Nairobi City County residents on Tuesday expressed mixed reactions to the ongoing push to impeach Governor Johnson Sakaja.
While some residents supported efforts by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to remove him, others criticised the move and urged the ward representatives to reconsider.
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Amos Onyango, a resident, appealed for dialogue between the governor and the MCAs.
"I would like the MCAs and the governor to solve the differences between them because their standoff means a lack of progress in the county," said Onyango.
He further accused the MCAs of attempting to extort the governor through the impeachment plan.
ODM consultative meeting
The debate came amid reports that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party had met with six Nairobi County Assembly leaders on Monday in a bid to address the rising impeachment calls against Sakaja and his deputy, Njoroge Muchiri.
The consultative meeting brought together key county leaders and former MPs to address the assembly members’ concerns and find a way forward.
At the Bunge La Wananchi forum in Jeevanjee Gardens, however, civic activists condemned both Raila Odinga and President William Ruto for allegedly interfering in the matter.
Bunge La Wananchi Chairman Robert Kiberenge argued that MCAs must be allowed to make their own decision.
"I would urge all leaders, such as Raila and Ruto, to stop interfering with the work of MCAs. It's their role to decide if Sakaja should be impeached or not," said Kiberenge.
He added that Sakaja should already have been removed from office.
Shown incompetence
"I want to say that the impeachment has even come late in the day. The governor has shown incompetence and ought to have been sent home a long time ago," claimed Kiberenge.
Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice on Tuesday, South B MCA and Deputy Minority Leader Waithera Chege revealed that National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo attended the ODM meeting, with Governor Sakaja joining later.
"We were going to attend our own inside leadership meeting. So while we were there, we were told that ODM Party leader Raila Odinga (Baba) has requested to meet all of us. Yes, so we went and attended," Waithera said.
She explained that the meeting allowed MCAs to air their grievances before breaking for lunch and resuming discussions that continued until 10 pm, joined by staff from the governor’s office.
Assembly's independence
Despite the marathon talks, Waithera stressed the importance of assembly independence.
The UDA MCA noted that although Raila had called for patience, he could not stop the motion.
"The motion is not by us. It is an initiative by all the members. There is nobody in particular we can call and tell to drop the motion... The ODM will call its members today, and the UDA will call its members today. So, the meetings have been set," Waithera explained.
Summoned to State House
On Tuesday, Nairobi UDA MCAs were summoned to State House for a consultative session by Minority Whip Mark Mugambi.
The invitation directed members to meet the party leader at 12:30 pm, with details to follow.
"Our party leader has called us to the State House. But we have agreed that we will tell him the truth that Nairobi things are not working, that is why we are initiating the impeachment," said Woodley MCA Davidson Ngiuini.
Waithera confirmed that the MCAs arrived at State House shortly after noon.
Meanwhile, ODM MCAs were invited to a separate 10:00 am meeting at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, convened by Majority Whip Moses Ogeto.
Although the county assembly has been on recess since August 7, Standing Orders permit the Majority Leader to petition the Speaker for a special sitting if at least 41 members support it, a threshold the MCAs appear ready to meet.
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