On November 21, 2021, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja shared a personal story of integrity at the Nairobi Chapel, recalling his time as the chairman of The National Alliance (TNA) in 2013.
At just 27 years old, Sakaja had taken on the role of chairman, but he soon faced challenges from old guards who were accustomed to buying their way into party favors.
One politician from Nyeri offered him a Ksh35 million bribe in exchange for a party nomination certificate, but Sakaja refused the offer.
"I remember a gentleman from Nyeri offering me Ksh35 million to get a certificate. A nomination certificate. Either I was naive, or I did not know the value," he narrated.
Undeterred, Sakaja set new rules for political aspirants in the party, which had dominance in the Mount Kenya region. He insisted that any aspirant seeking to meet him would have to come with their opponents.
His decision was met with ridicule from some veteran politicians, who questioned his decision to deny himself and his young family a life-changing opportunity.
However, Sakaja does not regret his bold step, explaining that it made him who he is today. He also credited his performance as a party chairman with paving the way for other youths to be appointed in top party positions.
President Uhuru Kenyatta won the election in 2013, despite the media's initial doubts about Sakaja's inexperience.
From left: Senators Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nthi), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) on August 4, 2020.
