By Rose Munala
A group of Nairobi lawmakers is calling on Governor Johnson Sakaja and Members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) to use a newly agreed-upon 60-day window to resolve their differences through dialogue, warning that another impeachment battle would destabilize the capital.
The plea comes after President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga intervened to urge MCAs to drop a planned motion to impeach Governor Sakaja. Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, MPs Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Antony Oluoch (Mathare), and Maureen Tabitha Mutinda, along with nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, commended the President and Odinga for their timely intervention.
The leaders cautioned against repeating the political chaos that followed the 2020 impeachment of former Governor Mike Sonko. That period saw the city left under interim leadership and the Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS), which the lawmakers say stalled development and disrupted service delivery.
“History has shown us, particularly with the impeachment of former Governor Mike Sonko, how such actions can destabilize a county for years,” said MP Oluoch. “Nairobi was left under interim leadership and eventually the NMS, delaying meaningful development and disrupting service delivery.”
Senator Nyamu stressed that impeachment must be based on facts and the Constitution, not political convenience.
“In the Senate, whenever an impeachment matter is brought before us, we are guided by facts and the Constitution,” she stated. “Unfortunately, there have been instances where impeachment efforts have been driven by inadequate grounds, wasting valuable time and resources. This is not about Sakaja but Nairobi.
With the 2027 general election approaching, the lawmakers emphasized the need for leaders to shift their focus from political wrangles to service delivery. MP Mwenje urged all Nairobi leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents.
“As leaders, we must now focus our energy on service delivery to the people,” Mwenje said. “With just over a year and a few months to the next general election, Nairobians and Kenyans at large expect development, not endless political battles.”
The MPs called on both the Governor and the MCAs to use the 60-day period to address grievances and work together.
“We now call upon the Governor and the MCAs to spend the next 60 days engaging in dialogue, addressing the issues raised, and working for the great people of the city,” Senator Mutinda urged. “Governor, make it work.”
The lawmakers concluded by stressing that Nairobi, as the economic and political face of Kenya, cannot afford to stall development due to political brinkmanship.
