MCAs dismiss impeachment rumours against Sakaja amid debate over county pact
By Faith Lagat, February 19, 2026Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been cleared of impeachment rumours after members of the County Assembly (MCAs) dismissed claims that a motion had been filed against him.
The clarification comes amid heightened debate over a recently signed cooperation agreement between the county and the national government.
MCAs in a meeting on February 19, 2026, said no impeachment initiative exists. “And there is no impeachment initiative before this house for the impeachment of the Nairobi governor; they are only misleading the public,” said Anthony Kiragu Waithaka, MCA.
Kiragu added that public participation on the agreement will take place across all areas of the city.
The cooperation pact, signed on February 17, 2026, is expected to inject over 80 billion shillings into the Nairobi county government, though it has been temporarily put on hold by the High Court.
Sakaja emphasises county authority
Governor Sakaja had earlier pushed back against claims that the agreement amounted to a transfer of county functions to the national government. Speaking in a morning radio interview, he said, “I have not agreed and cannot sign any contract to hand over county functions.”
He drew a distinction between the current pact and the former Nairobi Metropolitan Services arrangement, describing the latter as a costly misadventure.
He also clarified that national government involvement would not extend to tax collection in Nairobi.
“No. Sheria yetu, for the national government to take a function ya county government, lazima ufanye transfer of functions… Sijakubali na siezi kusign transfer of functions,” Sakaja said.
On county resources, he explained that the equitable share of 1.7 billion shillings per month mostly goes to staff salaries, leaving limited funds for projects, and highlighted the need for targeted allocation to key services such as hospitals and waste management.
Support for the cooperation framework
County leaders and members of parliament have defended the agreement as a constitutional framework for collaboration rather than a transfer of devolved functions.
Kiragu urged Nairobi residents to “remain well informed and to support this framework so that together we can transform our city into a truly international metropolis.”
TJ Kajwang added that sectoral public participation had been carried out at the grassroots level, ensuring transparency.
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda emphasised that development in the capital should not be stalled by partisan posturing or mischaracterisation, noting that capital cities worldwide operate through structured collaboration between national and city administrations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also defended the agreement, saying it aligns with the Constitution and supports improved governance.
Despite criticism from some legislators, including Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna, President William Ruto reiterated that no transfer of functions will occur and that Governor Sakaja will continue to run the city.