Nairobi Members of Parliament have cautioned county assembly members against weaponising impeachment proceedings for political expediency, following the botched attempt to remove Governor Johnson Sakaja from office.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 3, ODM Nairobi County Chairperson George Aladwa, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, and Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) commended the MCAs for shelving the motion in favour of dialogue. The leaders noted that stability in the capital was essential, not only for city residents but also for the country’s overall economic wellbeing.
“We cannot let our city be held ransom by politics and self-interests. If Nairobi is destabilised, Kenya is destabilised,” Elachi said on behalf of the MPs.
Over the weekend, ODM and UDA MCAs collected more than 70 signatures out of the 123-member house in a bid to initiate impeachment proceedings against Sakaja. However, they fell short of the 82 signatures required to table an official motion. In a surprise move, the MCAs later agreed to give the governor 60 days to “get his house in order” rather than pursue the ouster.
Lawmakers praised the decision, citing progress made under Sakaja’s administration. They highlighted the Dishi na County feeding programme, which provides hot meals to more than 316,000 learners daily, as well as strides in waste management. They also lauded the recent confirmation of 3,500 Green Army workers to permanent and pensionable terms.
The MPs warned against the misuse of impeachment laws, saying attempts to unseat governors were increasingly being abused for political purposes. “We stress the importance of stability for service delivery and do not support the creation of instability where there are no serious grounds,” their joint statement read.
Elsewhere, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei criticised the aborted motion, terming it “a serious fluke and political blunder.” He cautioned that the indecision by Nairobi MCAs risked undermining the integrity of the County Assembly.
As the capital remains under watch, leaders urged a shift from political brinkmanship to constructive engagement to ensure service delivery for Nairobians.
