UDA Nairobi leaders turn against Sakaja, demand probe into city governance

Cracks have emerged in Nairobi as a section of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders turn against Governor Johnson Sakaja.

The leaders on Thursday voiced grave concerns over the state of leadership in Nairobi, calling for urgent investigations into what they claimed and described as rampant mismanagement and incompetence at City Hall.

Addressing the media from Parliament buildings, all four UDA MPs flanked by a section of MCAs said Nairobi could be facing its worst leadership crisis at City Hall in the capital's history.

"The dream sold during the campaigns, of "a city of order and dignity, hope and opportunity for all", has turned into the nightmare that Nairobi is becoming," said John Kiarie, Dagoretti South MP.

The UDA legislatures were reading the statement on behalf of the other leaders.

With mounting accusations of gross mismanagement and malpractice, UDA leaders called for immediate action to address the crisis.

They cited a recent Auditor General's report that uncovered financial irregularities, including payments to ghost workers and misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions.

"A recent Auditor General's Report unearthed gross mismanagement of public finances, payments of huge amounts of monies to ghost workers, corrupt and selective payment of pending bills," Kiarie added.

A recent auditor general report revealed significant issues including failure to show how they spent billions in the financial year that ended on June 30, 2023.

The report revealed that Nairobi reported spending Sh100 million to buy vehicles and other transport equipment during the period under review. However, upon reviewing the county's documents, AG Nancy Gathungu stated the county paid over Sh770 million to various motor vehicle dealers.

"It is for this reason that we, a representation of Kenya Kwanza leaders and by extension representatives of the millions of disgruntled Nairobi Residents want to call Governor Sakaja to order!" the leaders said

The UDA leaders emphasised that Nairobi residents deserve and demand leadership that has a plan with a clear vision.

"A leadership that relies on a well thought out masterplan as the cardinal guiding instrument informing all policy decisions, legislative proposals, programmes, and projects decisions" Kiarie added.

Going further, the UDA leaders demanded accountability from Sakaja and his administration through appearances before the Senate.

"It is the least that must be done to restore faith in our city's leadership," the leaders said.

Last week, the Senate Energy Committee resolved that IG Koome should arrest and present Governor Sakaja before the committee on April 25, 2024.

The Nairobi boss was also fined a Sh500,000 fine for skipping the meeting.

The Senate Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Moses Kajwang' from Homa Bay, called on Governor Sakaja to appear before it within 14 days to address audit queries after he failed to attend the sitting.

However, on Tuesday, Sakaja defended his failure to honour the Senate summons saying it has been sensationalised.

The Governor said he has appeared before the Senate more than his predecessors.

"The Senate was aware of my trip last week, it is a normal trip. The Professionals Association knows where City Hall is and I'm always available to meet them," he said in an interview.

"I think it is a matter of scheduling, I have gone to the Senate more than 11 times and more than any governor in the last year," Sakaja added.

The Governor insisted that he has only missed two or three sessions out of the 14 summons served.

"All communication is official, is just that they sensationalise a meeting that is missed."

In addition to urging parliamentary oversight, UDA leaders called upon relevant audit, oversight, and investigative bodies to intervene swiftly and rescue Nairobi from the grip of mismanagement and incompetence.

They emphasised the need for comprehensive investigations to uncover the full extent of wrongdoing and ensure justice for the city's residents.