This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Mike Sonko as Nairobi Governor, following the latter's corruption charges and court-ordered suspension from office.
On December 15, 2019, Sakaja declared his interest in the coveted position on K24's Punchline Show, stating that he would be willing to vie for the governorship if Nairobians wanted him to.
"I was elected to be a Senator. However, if the people decide that they want me, I would go for it [governorship]," Sakaja said.
With Sonko facing over 10 counts of corruption and misuse of office charges in court, Sakaja's declaration comes at a time when City Hall is in crisis, and a by-election may be necessary to solve the leadership stalemate in the biggest city in East and Central Africa.
As Sonko's woes deepen, with the court order barring him from accessing his office, Sakaja emphasized the need for services in the city, citing the 17 constituencies and millions of people who require services.
"For me, it is about getting Nairobi moving. I am on record talking about the position of the deputy governor. Nairobi must work," Sakaja said.
