Sakaja in limbo, woos Azimio for a way forward
By Alvin.Mwangi, February 2, 2023Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been having a difficult time managing City Hall in the past five months since he was elected to the city’s top seat.
The precaurious situation follows his decision to work with Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition, even though he was elected on a Kenya Kwanza ticket.
Recently, Sakaja brought Azimio Ward Reps to his fold, an issue that has rubbed Kenya Kwanza big shots the wrong way.
Also, the governor recently appointed people allied to the opposition movement to his government — attracting heavy criticism from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The Deputy President has also warned against implementation of certain directives by the county chief, especially those touching on sale of alcohol.
But it is the decision to work with Azimio leaders that has split Kenya Kwanza into two.
On one hand is a section of MCAs, led by Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu, who are accusing the governor of being involved in Azimio-related activities at a time when city residents are waiting for him to deliver on his promises.
Kiragu says the governor, despite being elected on a Kenya Kwanza ticket, has deliberately ignored his party. “Sakaja was elected on a UDA ticket and we all know the tiff that was there before they settled on him. We are appealing to him not to wear a yellow shirt during the day and a blue one at night,” Kiragu notes.
However, a pro- Sakaja faction says the Governor should be allowed to fulfil the promises he made to the people of Nairobi.
Sakaja has been saying that, since Kenya Kwanza is a minority in the county assembly, it would be difficult to implement his agenda without co-operating with the Azimio majority.
His supporters say that frequent accusations by Kenya Kwanza leaders are meant to derail the current administration. “We do not agree with what they said and we want to assure the residents of Nairobi and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) supporters that we are in a good relationship with him. In fact, Sakaja has been working hard to deliver to Nairobi residents,” said Kahawa West MCA Clement Kamaru says.
Sakaja has, meanwhile, insisted that he will not be moved by what he termed as side shows.
“I am going to work with anyone. My idea of making Nairobi a city of order will not be derailed, as long as we are working for the common good — which is to make Nairobi a better county,” he insists. The governor revealed that he consulted President William Ruto before making any appointment at the county level.
He said it was Ruto who advised him and gave him the green light for the appointments.
“President Ruto, who is my party leader, understands Nairobi well. I told him that, despite being a UDA governor, the Azimio coalition occupies the majority in the county assembly and that there is no way my administration can deliver without working with them,” Sakaja says.
He adds that not being on good terms with Azimio could affect the passage of his budget. “And without a budget, there is nothing that can happen in the county,” he says
The Nairobi county assembly has 124 MCAs — 85 elected and 39 nominated. UDA has 35 elected MCAs, the same as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Jubilee has seven, Wiper four, CCK one and three are independent.