Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is a man under siege.

Sakaja’s woes have continued to worsen after he found himself on the collision path with a section of Mt Kenya leaders and business owners. 

This has been occasioned by his decision to insist on long-distance matatus operating outside the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

In a viral video, the county chief stated that he was willing to risk everything to ensure the success of his plan.

“Ka mbaya, mabaya. Magari zitakuwa huko na huko ndio tutatumia for those vehicles. There will be no unfair treatment.” he said. 

His comments attracted the attention of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who did not mince his words in expressing his concern over the policy.

“I mobilized Kikuyus in Nairobi to vote for him and called him. Any decision that he makes which may affect business in Nairobi, we must first sit and discuss. Hatutaki speedy mingi sana, twende pole pole. Hio maneno ya kutoa matatu, hio haiwezekani. Sitaki tuanze kusumbua wafanyibiashara.”

Like jets scrambled to neutralize an insurgent, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, led the Mt. Kenya leader’s entourage in lecturing Sakaja about alleged disrespect to DP Gachagua.

“Sakaja should know that the deputy president is not his age mate and so should be careful when he is addressing him.”

“If he continues disrespecting our leader, we will impeach him, after all, we know he has very questionable academic papers,” the senator vowed.

Wamatinga was referring to court cases Sakaja fought in the run-up to the August 2022 election, which called into question the credibility of his academic papers.

Wamatinga also supported Gachagua’s assertions that it is the deputy president who made Sakaja governor.

“Gachagua is the one who vouched for you in Mt Kenya so that you become governor. You must listen to him,” Wamatinga added.

In a statement, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wa Muchomba also backed the deputy president urging the former senator to stay away from their matatus. 

“Our deputy president has now spoken and I urge you to take his wise counsel and leave our Matatus alone,” the MP remarked in a statement.

Noisy Parties Muted

Sakaja’s recent policy pronouncement banning nightclub operations in residential areas has also triggered a rebellion against him by members of the county assembly (MCAs) in his party.

The UDA-affiliated MCAs, who have ethnic roots in the Mt Kenya region, argue that the governor’s decisions will adversely affect businesses owned by their kinsmen.

However, Sakaja stated in an interview with Royal Media Services on December 27 that he would not be distracted from his vision to deliver for Nairobi. 

“There are certain things we cannot compromise on…it is about a stand, sticking to it, and providing leadership,” Sakaja stated.

Western: Sakaja ‘Our’ Son

On the other hand, Members of Parliament from western Kenya, who claim Mr Sakaja as one of their own, have sprung to the defence of the governor and accused the Deputy President of promoting tribal politics.

The MPs, led by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, secretary to the Western Kenya Members of Parliament Caucus, asked Gachagua to allow Sakaja to work without interruptions. 

“Sakaja was elected to an office by the people of Nairobi they expect much from him, therefore the DP should present his manifesto to the people of Nairobi,” Nabii remarked in a statement on December 28.

Sakaja also received backing from the head of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, who has since backed President William Ruto’s government.

“We want Sakaja to be supported to make Nairobi a great international city like Cairo, Abuja, Johannesburg, Durban, and Kigali, among others,” Atwoli said on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

The 37-year-old Nairobi County governor, who previously served as Nairobi’s second senator, was elected Nairobi Governor after defeating the Azimio la Umoja coalition’s Polycarp Igathe.

The ‘Uhuru-NMS’ Factor

In reference to his university degree tribulations during the 2022 campaigns, Sakaja accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of betraying him.

According to Sakaja, Uhuru backstabbed him even after he helped him ascend to power in the 2013 and 2017 elections. 

“I have no bitterness, I hold no grudge against whoever was behind it and you all know who was behind it. I miss my friend Uhuru Kenyatta as a friend, our journey was very long, and politics divided us.” 

However, Sakaja has seemingly headed the NMS way, if history has any lessons to offer.

Former Governor Mike Sonko fell out with the Presidency, leading him to cede functions of his government to the army man Maj. Gen. Badi.

Nairobi is the backbone of the country, and any instability according to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, is a danger to the economy of the country.

All eyes will be on President Ruto on how he will broker a truce deal between DP Gachagua and Governor Sakaja.