Former Devolution and Planning Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has spoken out against the push to impeach Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In a statement on Monday, September 1, Nyakera, who has declared interest in the seat come 2027, wondered what he could benefit from such a move and declared that he does not support it.
As such, Nyakera advised Sakaja to use the remaining two years to deliver on his promises instead of engaging in theatrics.
"While I would naturally stand to benefit if Governor Sakaja were impeached, I do not support it. Nairobians freely chose him in 2022, and democracy demands that we respect that choice, even when it proves difficult.
"I urge Sakaja to drop the PR and theatrics and use his remaining two years to deliver on the promises he made," he said.
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Nyakera urged Nairobi residents to reflect on their voting choices ahead of the next election, warning that leadership should not be taken lightly.
"To Nairobians: let this be a lesson ahead of 2027 - leadership is about proven ability, integrity, and accountability. Let’s choose better in 2027," he added.
A section of Nairobi MCAs have intensified their push to impeach Sakaja, with a significant number already signing onto the motion.
On Tuesday, August 26, more than 90 MCAs held an informal sitting, commonly referred to as a Speaker’s Kamkunji, where they agreed to begin the process of removing the governor from office.
The leaders said they had lost patience with what they described as poor communication from City Hall and a widening disconnect between the governor and the Assembly.
By Sunday, August 31, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai revealed that close to 70 MCAs had already appended their signatures in support of the impeachment.
"We have collected 63 signatures. The threshold is 40 for impeachment. So we will table the motion on Tuesday. The meeting was held at Westlands. Over 30 MCAs have called, and they are with us," he said.
The ward representatives are reportedly planning a retreat in Naivasha to refine their strategy, finalize the motion, and prepare for a special sitting once the Assembly reconvenes.
The move comes after weeks of discontent among ward representatives who accuse the governor of neglecting projects at the grassroots, failing to release bursaries on time, and sidelining the Assembly in key decisions.
"That is why we have stalled projects, and the residents have been asking questions. The members also feel the governor is completely out of touch with the ground and MCAs.
"Three quarters of members who call the governor cannot get him, so there is an issue of communication between the Executive and the Assembly and his failure to come out on the issue of broad-based government," Deputy Minority Leader, Nairobi South MCA Waithera Chege, said.
