ODM MCAs Renew Beef With Governor Sakaja: Is Impeachment on the Horizon?

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing increasing pressure from members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) affiliated with the ODM party, who are actively plotting his impeachment.

The MCAs have devised a plan that involves promoting his deputy, James Muchiri, to a cabinet position. This move would allow them to appoint a new deputy, creating a strategic pathway to facilitate the governor’s removal from office.

As frustrations over poor county services and stalled projects rise, the MCAs are united in their call for accountability, making it clear that they are prepared to take serious action against Sakaja if their demands are not met.

ODM MCAs Plotting Governor Sakaja Impeachment Over Unfulfilled Promises and Growing Frustrations

Sakaja has navigated previous impeachment attempts by aligning with prominent figures such as former PM Raila Odinga, President William Ruto, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. However, some Nairobi County Assembly members are increasingly frustrated with the lack of quality services and stalled development projects.

During a press conference, Deputy Minority Leader Waithera Chege and Kileleshwa’s Robert Alai accused Sakaja of incompetence. They highlighted issues like chaotic public transport, land grabbing by private developers, poor drainage, and inadequate garbage collection.

“The city is in chaos. We have met with the governor multiple times, but nothing has changed,” Alai stated, underscoring the lack of progress on development projects, especially in healthcare.

Details from Auditor-General’s Report

According to the Auditor-General’s report from June 30, 2023, Nairobi County has stalled projects worth Sh1.36 billion. The report specifically mentions that many of these stalled projects are hospitals, revealing failures in critical healthcare infrastructure.

One contractor received Sh869 million to build three health facilities, but none were completed. Inspections in late September showed the sites in poor condition. Despite this, the same contractor was awarded another project worth Sh344.1 million, which also stalled after Sh165 million was paid.

Additionally, suppliers who provided services to the county have not been paid, raising concerns about revenue collection.

Concerns Over Revenue Collection and Accountability

MCAs expressed their frustrations about unclear revenue collection practices within the county government. “Revenue is collected at Riverside, but no one knows who is actually collecting it,” Alai said. They accused the governor of focusing on public relations and blocking oversight from the MCAs.

Chege mentioned that county officials involved in transferring public land to private developers will be held accountable. She highlighted suspicious changes in contract agreements that potentially favor the developers over the county.

Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi rebutted claims that he blocks oversight efforts. He argued that the MCAs who complain lack an understanding of their roles.

As frustration mounts, the ward representatives urge President Ruto and Raila Odinga to intervene and address the issues affecting Nairobi’s residents. Governor Sakaja did not respond to requests for comment.