This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
On August 5, 2020, a plan by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services to disband the Nairobi county government was exposed, which could lead to the loss of seats for Governor Mike Sonko and elected Members of County Assembly.
The move, which is in the offing, is reportedly being considered due to the current tension at City Hall, where an impeachment motion against embattled speaker Beatrice Elachi has been tabled.
According to sources, the speaker has allegedly hired goons to storm the Nairobi CBD in a bid to scare away MCAs opposed to her, leading to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i asking Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai to step in.
As per the constitution, the President may suspend a county government in an emergency arising out of internal conflict or war, or in any other exceptional circumstances. However, this can only be done after an independent commission of inquiry has investigated allegations against the county government and the President is satisfied that the allegations are justified and the Senate has authorized the suspension.
It is worth noting that Governor Sonko might be aware of the plan, as he recently rushed to court to forestall it by demanding the cancellation of the deal he signed with the government ceding some key functions.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is likely to form a commission of inquiry as per National Security Council advice, citing security threats and mismanagement as the factors that informed his decision.
