This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
November 7, 2019, marked a turning point for several Nairobi politicians who had once enjoyed the favor of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Among them is Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, who has been summoned to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to answer corruption-related allegations.
He is not alone; several other politicians have fallen out of favor since dining with President Kenyatta a few years ago.
Here are six politicians who have seen their fortunes change:
1. Mike Sonko ¶
As one of President Kenyatta's most vocal supporters, Sonko was handed the Jubilee Party ticket nomination to vie for the capital's gubernatorial seat. However, he now faces several corruption allegations and has been warned by President Kenyatta not to discuss politics at public functions.
2. Ferdinand Waititu ¶
Waititu, once a staunch supporter of President Kenyatta, has been battling economic crimes and was forced to temporarily step aside from his role as governor of Kiambu.
3. Beatrice Elachi ¶
Elachi, who led the 'UhuRuto Women Brigade', now spends more time in court than in the Nairobi County Assembly Chambers, fighting off impeachment attempts and armed with paper spray to fend off her political enemies.
4. Moses Kuria ¶
Kuria, who represents President Kenyatta's constituency, has been involved in public controversies and even brushed shoulders with the law. He was recently teargassed while attempting to bail out Starehe MP Charles Njagua, prompting him to predict a 'revolution' against the Jubilee regime.
5. Ndindi Nyoro ¶
Nyoro, known for bashing opposition leader Raila Odinga, was once advised President Kenyatta to temporarily suspend the constitution and let the army rule. However, he was later accused of creating a disturbance and had to seek refuge at a TV station before being arrested in Murang'a.
6. Dennis Itumbi ¶
Itumbi, a former State House employee, was once involved in justifying the arrest and deportation of outspoken politician Miguna Miguna. He was later arrested and whisked away by plainclothes policemen, and has since become close to Deputy President William Ruto.
