Impeachment rumours swirl at City Hall as Sakaja vows to stay focused on development

The year 2023 has been turbulent for Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. He has faced criticism from various quarters, including the Senate, where he was accused of ignoring summons from several committees.

Additionally, concerns had been raised by some leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party about the state of development in Nairobi under his leadership.

"It is our observation that is now the view of the majority of city county residents that Nairobi could be facing its worst leadership crisis at City Hall," said Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie earlier this year

Despite the ongoing storm, Sakaja has remained resolute, often dismissing his critics as distractions.

However, new concerns have emerged as impeachment talks have been circulating within City Hall.

As the Nairobi County Assembly prepares to resume its sessions next week after a month-long recess, these talks have been persistent.

ODM lawmaker Robert Alai, who represents Kileleshwa Ward, has been vocal on social media, using the #ImpeachSAKAJA hashtag to call for Sakaja's removal. Alai, once a defender of Sakaja, now accuses him of incompetence and poor leadership.

On Monday, while launching Phase Three of his 'Dishi na County' project, Sakaja dismissed the impeachment rumours, emphasising his commitment to delivering on his manifesto promises.

"We will not be distracted by naysayers. Our focus is on delivering what we promised. We have a mandate and don't have time for rumours. Our priority is to work for our people, not to engage in gossip," Sakaja said.

Sakaja also praised the cooperation between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, noting that his administration has successfully operated despite his party, UDA, holding a minority position in the county assembly.

"Many were skeptical about my decision to work with the opposition, but now we have a national government of inclusivity that will deliver. We fully support that," he added.

42 signatures

A first-term Jubilee MCA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that at least 42 signatures had been collected for a motion to impeach the governor.

"They (MCAs) have so far 12 charges on him. The motion has been drafted to be tabled on September 10, 2024, when the assembly resumes session. So far, they have 42 signatures," said the legislator.

According to the standing orders of the Nairobi County Assembly, a third of the MCAs need to support the motion for it to be tabled.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok downplayed the impeachment talks, stating that his office had not been approached with such a motion.

"The impeachment talks are far-fetched," he said. "The charges need to be very substantive. The law for impeaching a governor is clearly outlined in the constitution, County Government Act, and Standing Orders. It is not a walk in the park."

Imwatok also emphasised that the assembly must first focus on its performance before considering any action against the governor.

"The legislators cannot send the Governor home if they are not executing their mandate. For Nairobi to work, the assembly must work first," he said.

Majority Whip Moses Ogeto dismissed the impeachment rumours, stating that no member of the majority side is collecting signatures for the motion.

"As the whip of the majority side, I can confirm that there is nothing like impeachment. No ODM or Azimio member has come for my signature," he said.

Ogeto suggested that the impeachment talk might be a strategy from the minority side, noting that the UDA faction has often been divided.

Minority Leader and Waithaka MCA Anthony Kiragu from the Kenya Kwanza side defended Sakaja, saying, "We do not know who the sponsor of the motion is so far. It is not official yet whether there is an impeachment motion. I have not seen the grounds of impeachment and I do not know the sponsor of the motion yet."

Kiragu also pointed out that the MCAs should share responsibility for any perceived lack of performance.

"Those MCAs saying he has not performed unless they also want to say that they have also not performed. We work as one unit to deliver services to the Nairobi residents," he said.

Minority Whip Mark Mugambi, a staunch supporter of Sakaja, labelled the impeachment rumours as baseless.

"If anything, before we consider impeachment, those in the executive who are underperforming should go home first," he said.

Korogocho MCA Absalom Matach from Azimio echoed Mugambi's sentiments, stating, "This is not Meru County; we will not impeach our Governor."

Impeachment grounds

Conversely, Deputy Minority Leader and Nairobi South MCA Waithera Chege suggested that there might be grounds for impeachment.

"I haven't seen the impeachment motion, but if it comes, there is already enough ground for the governor to be impeached according to what is stipulated in the constitution," she said.

Chege, who has consistently criticised Sakaja's leadership, indicated that she would support the impeachment motion if presented.

"I have always made my stand clear that the governor should be put to task and work for Nairobians. If the motion comes, I will fully support it," Waithera said.

As the Nairobi County Assembly prepares to reconvene on September 10, 2024, the question remains: will the impeachment discussions turn into action, or are they merely speculative chatter?