Inside Raila Odinga’s bid to save Governor Johnson Sakaja from impeachment
Deputy Minority Leader Waithera Chege disclosed that Minority Leader of the National Assembly Junet Mohamed and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo were present, with Governor Sakaja joining later.
ODM leader Raila Odinga met with six Nairobi County Assembly leaders on Monday in an effort to address growing impeachment calls against Governor Johnson Sakaja and his deputy, Njoroge Muchiri.
The consultative session, which included key county leaders and former MPs, aimed to discuss the concerns raised by assembly members while trying to find a common path forward.
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Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice on Tuesday, South B MCA and Deputy Minority Leader Waithera Chege disclosed that Minority Leader of the National Assembly Junet Mohamed and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo were present, 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 detailed that the first part of the meeting focused on allowing the assembly leaders to explain their issues.
“After we explained, we went for a health break, and after having lunch, we went back to the meeting. This time we were joined by a few staff from the Governor’s office, and the meeting lasted until 10 pm,” she said.
Despite the lengthy discussions, she emphasised the assembly’s need to maintain its independence.
The UDA MCA noted that while Raila urged patience, he could not directly stop the impeachment 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.
Meanwhile, Nairobi UDA MCAs have been summoned to State House for a consultative session by Minority Whip Mark Mugambi.
The message instructed members to meet their party leader at 12:30 pm, Tuesday, and indicated that further details would be shared.
“Our party leader has called us to 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, “ Woodley MCA Davidson Ngiuini added.
Waithera confirmed that they arrived at State House minutes after 12:00 noon.
ODM MCAs were, on the other hand, invited to a 10:00 am meeting at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, with the invitation sent by Majority Whip Moses Ogeto.
While the county assembly went on a one-month recess on August 7, Standing Orders allow 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.
Reports indicate that 87 MCAs have signed the motion, up from 70 last Friday.
Earlier efforts to slow down the process, including interventions from Raila, have not prevented the steady collection of signatures.
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