Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hit out at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua barely hours after his interview on Inooro TV on Sunday.
In the statement issued on Monday, January 9, Sifuna stated that Governors don't report to the Deputy President as per the 2010 constitution after the latter said he can tell Governors what to do.
The Nairobi Senator said the Deputy President had turned himself into a ‘national joke’ over his tussle with Sakaja.
“DP Gachagua has in the past few weeks had a tiff with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over management of city affairs, which most right-thinking Kenyans have rightfully ignored given the DPs unmatched ability to be a national nuisance. But he has now gone a step further and reportedly declared that he can direct any Governor on what to do.
“The 2010 Constitution, in creating devolved units, made them distinct governments in their own right. They are therefore not subject to direction or control by the national government. The Governors do not report to Gachagua. He has no power over county governments and must desist from interfering with their working," the statement read in part.
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Sifuna also stated that the Nairobi residents want change and therefore Sakaja should move ahead and relocate matatus out of the CBD.
“Nairobians have stated unequivocally that they want the city to change. Changing the city cannot happen by making it a large kiosk paradise or a big matatu terminus under the guise of Kazi ni Kazi. We must change how the city is run and one individual or tribe cannot hold all of Nairobi hostage,” he asserted.
He further urged the DP to desist from elevating some tribes to superior positions over others.
“All tribes in Kenya as well as foreign nationalities dwell in harmony in Nairobi. We reject Gachagua's invitation to elevate some tribes to superior positions over others or his ill-informed,” he said.
“Gachagua grossly overestimates himself and his influence over Nairobi politics. The people who hold sway over city political affairs are known and they haven't spoken. Governor Sakaja knows this fact and should proceed to execute his agenda in the manner he sees fit,” he added.
Sifuna’s sentiments come hours after Gachagua stated that he has the power to direct any governor.
Speaking during an interview with Inooro TV on Sunday, January 8, DP Gachagua told Nairobi business people not to worry about Sakaja and continue with their businesses.
“We need to respect all businesses, and I want to tell all business people to continue working, the William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua government will not allow anyone to destroy any business,” he said.
“There is no governor that I cannot tell what they need to do. It is there outlined in the Executive order issues by the president, that I’m the bridge between the National and County Governors,” Gachagua added.
