This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
Published on April 23, 2020, Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko's tenure in Nairobi has been a rollercoaster ride of controversy and power struggles. Since his election in 2017, Sonko has been caught in crossfires, making decisions that have left him regretful.
One of the earliest challenges Sonko faced was the departure of his Chief Assistant, Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe, just six months after the 2017 general elections. Without a substantive deputy, Sonko's plans were thrown off balance, complicating his tenure.
His moves have been termed as risky, opening protracted battles between him and the members of the County Assembly. These manoeuvres have almost brought the county to its knees, risking his job as the city sheriff. The national government was forced to intervene, saving the county from further turmoil.
With few options left, Sonko had to choose between giving up major county functions or facing impeachment by the MCAs. He opted to sign off key functions, including finance, health, transport, public works, and planning, to stay afloat in the turbulent political waters.
The transfer of functions was overseen by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa at State House. Sonko now admits he didn't have time to review the document he signed, and he feels shortchanged in the deal.
As cracks begin to show in the agreement, Sonko is now blaming the national government for being used by a cabal he calls 'the system' to frustrate him. He has vowed to fight to reverse the transfer of county functions to the national government.
"Please forgive me, I will never repeat that mistake again. In fact, I am starting the process of terminating the Deed of Transfer just like any other ordinary contract. I will now personally go to court to have it terminated. Let them kill me or jail me if they want," regrets Sonko.
Analysts now say it could be too late for the flashy Governor, as his plans might not be as easy as he thinks they might be since he made a mutual decision with the national government.
