The political fight in Nairobi has taken a dangerous twist. Behind closed doors, Majority leader Peter Imwatok has been accused of pocketing facilitation fees meant for Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
His actions have created deep mistrust between embattled Governor Johnson Sakaja and a section of the assembly. The result is a chaotic mix of schemes, betrayals, and counter-moves that have left the capital’s leadership in limbo.
Raila Odinga’s intervention only exposed how far Imwatok’s tactics have gone to destabilize the city.
Embattled Sakaja Caught Between Betrayal and Political Intrigues
Governor Sakaja thought he was buying peace by meeting with the county assembly leadership. He admitted during a meeting with Raila Odinga and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo that he gave facilitation money to calm the storm at City Hall. To his shock, the money never reached the MCAs.
Instead, Imwatok pocketed the funds. By doing so, he sabotaged Sakaja’s efforts to ease tensions and fueled anger among MCAs who believed the governor was ignoring them. The revelation left Raila stunned.
This betrayal became the fuel behind the impeachment whispers that have dominated Nairobi’s politics. MCAs turned against Sakaja, citing failure to disburse bursaries, ward funds, and the appointment of “coordinators” to bypass elected leaders.
But insiders confirm the real issue was Imwatok’s manipulation. By blocking the flow of money, he created a wedge between Sakaja and the assembly, building momentum for an impeachment bid.
Imwatok Targeted After Exposure
Imwatok’s schemes are now under sharp focus. Sources reveal that his survival in the Majority leader’s seat is no longer guaranteed. Many MCAs view him as a liability, a political conman who played both sides to advance his personal interests.
ODM leader Raila, aware of the high political temperature across the country, advised against an immediate impeachment of Sakaja. This move bought the governor time, but it also left Imwatok exposed.
There is growing talk that changes in the assembly leadership are imminent. Imwatok may be sacrificed to restore calm. Influential neutrals such as Nixon Juma, Abbas Ibrahim, Victor Omollo, Oscar Role, and Ronald Mugambi are positioning themselves to shape the next phase of the assembly’s leadership.
The divide is already visible. Imwatok leans on allies linked to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. His camp includes Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura, deputy minority leader Esther Waithera, Antony Kimemia, and Maurice Onyango. They are suspected of plotting for Sakaja’s deputy, James Njoroge Muchiri, to replace him if impeachment succeeds.
But this plan is meeting resistance from MCAs who want both Sakaja and his deputy out of office. If that happens, Speaker Ken Ngondi would temporarily take over.
The Bigger Battle for Nairobi
The impeachment drama is more than just a county matter. It reflects deeper national rivalries. Sakaja’s critics claim he has failed to address Nairobi’s challenges. From bursary delays to ward development projects, MCAs accuse him of neglect.
But supporters such as Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai dismiss the impeachment threats. Alai argues it is pure blackmail and political witch-hunt. He links it to disputes over land subdivision plans and assembly leadership double standards.
Behind the noise, the truth is clear. Imwatok’s decision to pocket facilitation money set the stage for the chaos. By betraying both Sakaja and the MCAs, he placed himself at the center of a storm that may cost him his position.
For now, embattled Sakaja is clinging to Raila’s support to survive. But his fate is uncertain. If the assembly decides to purge both the governor and his deputy, City Hall will face a complete leadership reset.
All eyes remain on the coming weeks. The neutrals are growing stronger, the impeachment threat is still alive, and Imwatok’s political future looks shaky. Nairobi residents, meanwhile, continue to suffer under stalled services while their leaders fight bitterly over power and money.
