Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has gone on the offensive after surviving a failed impeachment push by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs). Speaking during an interview with Inooro FM on September 15, the governor accused the MCAs of playing politics instead of focusing on service delivery.
He revealed that disagreements over bursaries and stalled ward development projects had fueled the ouster attempt. Sakaja, however, dismissed the move as a political show meant to cripple his administration. He declared that the failed impeachment was a lesson to his opponents.
Sakaja Failed Impeachment Exposes Rift in Nairobi Leadership
The impeachment attempt was not a small affair. Both UDA and ODM MCAs had rallied support, collecting more than 70 signatures in a 123-member house. They needed 82 to table a formal motion.
Sakaja disclosed that bursary delays were one of the main complaints. He admitted there was a distribution hitch, but explained it was caused by a ban on bursary allocations. According to him, the county has distributed Ksh1.6 billion in bursaries under his leadership compared to the Ksh3 billion distributed by his predecessors.
The governor also accused the MCAs of misrepresenting facts. He argued that funds for ward-based projects had been delayed due to slow disbursement from the national government, not negligence from his office.
Despite the tension, the push collapsed after high-level intervention from President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Raila Steps In to Cool ODM MCAs
Raila Odinga played a central role in cooling tempers. On September 2, he convened a closed-door meeting with Sakaja and ODM-allied MCAs at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF).
According to insiders, Raila persuaded the MCAs to suspend the impeachment bid. Nairobi ODM chair George Aladwa later confirmed the meeting and told the press that Sakaja had admitted to the accusations and even apologized.
ODM MCAs agreed to give him one month to mend relations and adjust his leadership approach. Raila framed the deal as a space for dialogue instead of confrontation.
This move showed Raila’s continued influence in city politics and revealed how ODM sought to avoid a messy showdown that could destabilize the county.
Ruto Cautions UDA MCAs Against Impeachment
President William Ruto also stepped in, calling UDA MCAs to State House. He urged them to avoid impeachment politics and instead support development.
Ruto’s intervention was crucial. His warning reminded the MCAs that destabilizing Sakaja could weaken UDA’s image in Nairobi ahead of future political battles.
By the time both Raila and Ruto had weighed in, the impeachment momentum collapsed. What was once a serious threat turned into a failed gamble that left Sakaja feeling emboldened.
Final Word
The Sakaja failed impeachment episode has exposed deep cracks between the governor and MCAs. Their grievances over bursaries and ward projects remain unresolved. However, the political weight of both Raila and Ruto was enough to force a truce, at least temporarily.
Sakaja has framed the impeachment attempt as a political miscalculation by his rivals. But with MCAs watching his every move, the battle over control of Nairobi’s resources and promises is far from over.
