Former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) chairperson Irungu Nyakera has come out strongly against growing calls to impeach Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, warning that such a move would erode the principles of democracy.
In a statement, Nyakera acknowledged that, as a declared aspirant for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027, he would naturally stand to gain from Sakaja’s political downfall. However, he maintained that the will of Nairobians must be respected.
“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,” he said.
Nyakera urged Sakaja to shift focus from “PR and theatrics” and instead dedicate his remaining two years in office to delivering on his campaign promises. He emphasized that leadership should be rooted in proven ability, integrity, and accountability, noting that Nairobi voters must draw lessons from their past decisions.
“Leadership is about proven ability, integrity, and accountability. Let’s choose better in 2027,” he added.
Nyakera is among at least five individuals who have already expressed interest in succeeding Sakaja in the next election. His remarks come amid heated debates within Nairobi’s County Assembly, where a section of MCAs last week threatened to impeach both Governor Sakaja and his deputy, Njoroge Muchiri, over unspecified grievances.
The issue was raised in an informal sitting (Kamkunji) convened by Speaker Ken Ng’ondi at City Hall, although critics have dismissed the plan as premature. The assembly is currently on recess, and no formal motion has been drafted or signatures collected. MCAs are reportedly planning a retreat next week to deliberate further on the matter.
Speaker Ng’ondi clarified that while discussions on impeachment are permissible in informal settings, due process must be followed. “An impeachment of a governor is not about a mob lynching but about establishing grounds. After such a Kamkunji, any member can make a follow-up and draft a motion indicating the grounds,” he explained.
For now, Sakaja remains in office, with both supporters and critics awaiting whether the impeachment talk materializes into a formal process.
