December 14, 2019 - Nairobi County is in a state of uncertainty following the Senate's decision to reject a request for a special sitting to address the power vacuum created by Governor Mike Sonko's court-ordered absence.
Senator Johnson Sakaja had requested the special session to find a solution to the crisis, which has been further deepened by the fact that Sonko does not have a deputy.
However, Speaker Kenneth Lusaka stated that convening a special sitting is a prerogative of the Majority and Minority leaders of the Upper House, requiring the support of 15 signatures.
According to Lusaka, 'According to our standing orders it is clear that a special sitting can be done only by the majority leaders and minority leader with the support of 15 signatures.'
The court decision has triggered a series of actions by stakeholders to find a solution to the crisis, with Nairobi County Speaker Beatrice Elachi seeking the input of the Attorney General to break the current gridlock.
The Court of Appeal will also be making a ruling on December 20 on whether a Governor with a graft case in court can execute his mandate as the case goes on.
On his part, Sonko said he will comply with the court's decision, stating, 'As I have always said, I am a law abiding citizen, hence shall comply with the court's decision that I stay away from my office to let justice take its course. Happy Jamhuri Day to you all.'
