Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has disputed claims that his continued criticism of Governor Johnson Sakaja are aimed at dethroning him in the next election.
Sifuna, who has been critical of governor Johnson Sakaja’s leadership, says his move should not be mistaken for early campaigns to unseat the governor.
“When I go to Mbagathi [Hospital] to ascertain whether there are drugs, that doesn’t mean I’m running for governor,” said Sifuna on Spice FM’s Situation Room.
He added; “I have publicly stated that I’m not interested in being governor of Nairobi. I am happy with the job I have been given as the senator for Nairobi.”
Sifuna denies claims of witch hunt against governors summoned to the senate, insisting he is pushing for accountability from the Nairobi governor.
He says his efforts have been frustrated by the governor who has failed to honour summons issued to him.
He said the Senate summons are not for the discussions of trivial matters, adding that impending the oversight duty of a senator is a serious matter.
Sifuna said at the energy committee, they need to interrogate Sakaja on the Mradi explosion.
Likewise at the housing committee, they needed him to answer questions regarding the urban regeneration programme.
Further, the Senate also wanted to interrogate Sakaja on the reports of the Auditor General when they summoned him at the public accounts committee.
“When he fails to appear, he is impending the capacity of the Senate to do its oversight job. We want to sit down with Sakaja. We understand that some of the issues happened before he was governor,” he said.
Sifuna explained that the House is simply looking to understand the issues raised, saying it is normal for governors to appear before Parliament Committees.
Sakaja has been fined Sh1 million for allegedly snubbing Senate summons.
On Tuesday, Sakaja said he had appeared before the Senate more than his predecessors blaming the skipping on scheduling.
“The Senate was aware of my trip last week, it is a normal trip. The Professionals Association knows where City Hall is and I’m always available to meet them,” he said.
“I think it is a matter of scheduling, I have gone to the Senate more than 11 times and more than any governor in the last year.”
Sakaja said he has missed only two or three sessions out of the 14 summons served.
“All communication is official, is just that they sensationalise a meeting that is missed.”
