This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
Published on November 13, 2019, Nairobi is facing a serious leadership crisis that requires immediate attention. The city is on the brink of collapse, and drastic measures must be taken to prevent a complete breakdown.
As the seat of government and regional economic hub, Nairobi is one of the few cities in the world that hosts United Nations offices. However, it is currently rudderless, with the county government and assembly dysfunctional. The county government has no functional executive, and the County Assembly is a hub of chaos.
Governor Mike Sonko has been at the center of the crisis, with allegations of impropriety ranging from his criminal past to pilferage at City Hall. He has been summoned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to answer to charges of falsifying his records prior to contesting the governor's seat in 2017. Additionally, he was questioned over irregular award of a Sh357 million garbage tender in August.
The county government has become a one-man show, with Mr. Sonko ruling by fiat and brooking no dissent. Critics are harassed and pulverized by hired goons. The County Assembly is also paralyzed, with Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi locked out of office for nearly two years by Members of County Assembly.
The central government and national leadership seem oblivious to the crisis, despite the Constitution separating powers between the central and county governments. It is imperative that the national leadership intervenes to compel Mr. Sonko to appoint a deputy and executive committee members.
