This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
Published on September 7, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is facing investigations and possible prosecution over allegations of procurement irregularities and unexplained expenditures.
However, the governor's own actions have contributed to the crisis. He has deliberately delayed naming a new deputy to replace Polycarp Igathe, who resigned nearly two years ago, citing difficulties working with the governor.
The deputy governorship is a constitutional office, and the governor's failure to fill the position has created a leadership vacuum. According to the constitution, the deputy comes into office as the running mate of the governor and assumes office in case of the governor's death or incapacitation.
With the city county staring at a constitutional imbroglio, the speaker of the county assembly, who was impeached by MCAs but restored to office by a court, has been blocked from resuming duty. The MCAs' determination to lock her out has plunged the city county into a vicious political crisis.
Nairobi, with four million residents and a significant proportion of national wealth, cannot be tied to the fate of one or two individuals. Governor Sonko must initiate the process to pick and install his deputy to comply with this key constitutional requirement.
