Nairobi is facing a serious political crisis as county assembly members intensify efforts to remove Governor Johnson Sakaja from office.
The MCAs have made it clear that they are committed to securing his impeachment, citing frustration with his leadership and unfulfilled promises. Since taking office in 2022, Sakaja pledged to improve service delivery, upgrade infrastructure, and make the city more livable, but three years on, many of these promises remain unmet, leaving residents and elected officials questioning his governance.
The impeachment push arises from multiple grievances accumulated during Sakaja’s term.
Ward representatives accuse him of allowing development projects to stall across the city, with allocated funds for roads, markets, and health facilities often going unused.
Bursaries intended for needy students have been delayed repeatedly, affecting thousands of families who rely on them for education. Contractors engaged in county projects complain of unpaid bills, which has led to halted works and job losses in the construction sector.
These problems portray a governor who appears disconnected from the daily struggles of Nairobians, prioritizing other matters over essential service delivery.
Communication between Sakaja’s office and the county assembly has also drawn criticism. MCAs say that many motions and bills passed in the house remain unimplemented, creating tension between the executive and legislative arms of the county government.
Efforts to improve waste management and sewer systems have largely failed, leaving piles of garbage in several neighborhoods and raising health concerns due to the risk of disease outbreaks.
Urban planning initiatives, including attempts to relocate matatu terminals, have triggered disputes with stakeholders, further eroding public confidence in the governor.
This is not the first time Sakaja has faced impeachment threats. In late 2023, a signature collection drive was launched against him over alleged incompetence and mismanagement of county debts, but it eventually collapsed.
Another attempt in 2024 accused him of mismanagement and interfering with public protests, but it was dismissed on procedural grounds. Critics also point to alleged favoritism in hiring practices and lack of transparency in handling county revenue, which reportedly averages around 30 million shillings daily.
The political context in Nairobi adds another layer of complexity. The city operates under a broad-based government framework, with Sakaja’s United Democratic Alliance sharing influence with Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement.
Some MCAs from both sides of the political divide have united in the impeachment effort, suggesting bipartisan support. While there are indications that party leaders could intervene to protect him, over 70 signatures have already been collected, surpassing the threshold required to table the motion.
Under Sakaja, Nairobi continues to struggle with traffic congestion, disorganized public transport, and inadequate services in informal settlements, including poor drainage and limited access to clean water.
Small businesses face arbitrary enforcement of regulations, including evictions without notice, which undermines the local economy. If the impeachment reaches the Senate, it could become a landmark moment for accountability in county governance.
Residents who voted for change in 2022 now see their expectations unmet, and the MCAs’ persistence signals that patience has run out, leaving the city at a crossroads regarding its leadership and future development.
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