Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is once again walking a political tightrope. Just months after surviving an impeachment scare, the embattled county boss is back under scrutiny. Senators have turned their guns on him over questionable education projects and budget allocations in the capital.
Although Raila Odinga and President William Ruto reportedly forced Nairobi MCAs to drop the impeachment motion, the storm is far from over. Sakaja’s absence from a crucial Senate session on Nairobi’s Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and vocational training centres has revived questions about his competence, integrity, and accountability.
The latest standoff has left the governor fighting to defend his record, with lawmakers accusing him of disregarding oversight institutions and hiding behind political protection. With senators now issuing formal summons, Sakaja cannot afford to keep ducking questions. The battle over his leadership has only intensified.
Sakaja Under-Siege over Education Projects and Budget Questions
The Senate Standing Committee on Education expected Sakaja to account for the state of ECDE and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in Nairobi. The governor was to brief senators on progress, challenges, and budgetary allocations. But at the last minute, he cancelled his appearance, drawing immediate criticism.
“This is about decency and accountability. It is within the Committee’s discretion to summon the Governor,” said nominated Senator Margaret Kamar.
Her colleague, Agnes Kavindu, went further. She demanded strict enforcement of penalties for governors who defy summons, insisting that fines should be paid personally instead of being passed on to taxpayers.
Other senators echoed the frustration. Kajiado Senator Seki Ole Kanar accused Sakaja of openly disrespecting Parliament. “Unfortunately, this is not a surprise to me. It is now upon the Senate to take the rightful legal action against the Governor,” he said.
The Committee cited Article 125 of the Constitution and Senate Standing Orders, which give it the authority to compel appearances by public officials. Laikipia Senator Joseph Kinyua declared that the Senate had no other option but to summon Sakaja, adding that their oversight mandate is fully backed by law.
The move signals that Sakaja cannot escape accountability through last-minute cancellations. His leadership is now on trial before a Senate that appears ready to escalate matters.
A Governor Shielded but Still Cornered
The current showdown is not isolated. In April 2024, Sakaja skipped another Senate session before the Energy Committee, which earned him a Ksh500,000 fine. Calls for his arrest circulated after that incident, but political negotiations helped him escape harsh consequences.
This pattern of evasion has raised suspicion among senators and the public. Many believe Sakaja hides behind political godfathers who shield him from accountability. His close ties with both Raila and Ruto, who previously intervened to quash an impeachment motion, have only strengthened that perception.
Yet political protection has not erased his troubles. Questions remain about how Nairobi’s education funds are being spent, with critics pointing to stalled projects, inflated contracts, and mismanagement in vocational training centres.
The Senate Committee’s decision to summon him formally signals a new phase where oversight bodies may no longer tolerate his no-shows. It also reflects the growing impatience with his leadership style, which critics see as marked by arrogance and evasion.
The Bigger Political Battle Ahead
For Nairobi residents, the standoff is more than just a political spectacle. It directly affects their children’s education and future opportunities. Many ECDE centres lack basic facilities, while TVET programmes are underfunded despite billions being allocated in budgets.
The governor’s absence from accountability sessions denies Nairobians answers about where their taxes go. Senators now want a clear breakdown of allocations and results. If Sakaja fails to provide satisfactory answers, calls for his removal may resurface—this time with stronger momentum.
The larger question is whether the Senate can break the cycle of political shielding that has protected Nairobi governors for years. For Sakaja, the pressure is mounting. If he cannot prove that his government has managed funds properly, his survival in office will depend less on political patrons and more on his ability to convince Kenyans that he can lead with integrity.
