Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s spat with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja escalated into a full-blown political debacle pitting United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Azimio la Umoja.
A section of Azimio lawmakers from Western Kenya castigated the second in command for overstepping his mandate by attempting to micromanage the Nairobi county governorship.
Led by Busia woman representative Catherine Omanyo, the legislators lashed out at Gachagua, faulting him for neglecting his duties assigned by President William Ruto.
Omanyo, accompanied by other Azimio lawmakers from the Western part of the country, including Sirisia MP John Waluke and Kakamega women representative Elsie Muhanda, accused Gachagua of engaging in tribal politics.
Busia woman representative Catherine Omanyo and her Kakamega counterpart Elsie Muhanda.
NTV
“Why is Gachagua only talking and defending his Kikuyu tribe? He should be reminded that he’s not a Kikuyu Deputy President,” Omanyo stated.
The leaders demanded Gachagua stop micro-managing Sakaja and allow him to exercise his mandate untethered.
Azimio MPs further sought the former Mathira MP to strive to foster inclusivity in government. The leaders argued that Gachagua ought to protect the interests of all entrepreneurs without favouring the Mt Kenya region.
Omanyo, who was elected on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, added that Gachagua should focus on developing all 47 counties.
“He is supposed to make sure that he throws eyes across all Kenya and make sure every tribe is inclusive,” Omanyo reiterated.
Their sentiments came after Gachagua warned Sakaja about his plans to relocate long-distance public service vehicles (PSVs) from Nairobi Central District to Green Park terminal.
Gachagua admonished the Nairobi boss for persecuting Mt Kenya business people from Mt Kenya.
“We do not want his high speed (in making decisions) and I have summoned him for a sitting…It is a no for any of his decisions that might have a negative effect on our people,” Gachagua stated.
Responding to the Sakaja-Gachagua spat, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko threatened to lead a signature collection drive to impeach the City boss.
Sonko argued that Sakaja had ignored the need of Nairobi residents by shutting down clubs in Nairobi residential areas.
“If Sakaja continues to pester Nairobi business people we will mobilise people and send him home. We can also make the city ungovernable for him and finally send him home just like the first governor,” Sonko stated.
Nairobi County Johnson Sakaja in his office at a past meeting.
Sakaja
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