A faction of Nairobi County leaders has launched scathing criticism against Governor Johnson Sakaja, branding his administration as “the most incompetent and morally bankrupt” among county governments.
Led by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, these leaders accused Sakaja’s administration of exacerbating Nairobi County’s myriad challenges. They highlighted issues such as widespread sewage problems, the proliferation of garbage heaps in residential areas, water shortages amidst flooding, and haphazardly executed high-rise constructions.
“It is evident to us that Nairobi is grappling with its most severe leadership crisis in City Hall’s history. The promise of a well-ordered city brimming with dignity, hope, and opportunity, as sold during campaigns, has transformed into a nightmare. Nairobi is now ensnared in the grip of an arrogant and deeply corrupt leadership,” remarked Kiarie.
Referring to a recent report by the Auditor General, Kiarie further accused Sakaja’s administration of gross financial mismanagement, including payments to nonexistent employees and preferential settlement of bills for illicit gains.
“Last year’s startling revelation exposed a junior official, acting with direct authority from the Governor, approving over 600 building plans in contravention of the Physical Land Planning Act, which mandates the County Chief Officer to handle such approvals,” Kiarie revealed.
“This explains the proliferation of haphazard developments and unsanctioned high-rise buildings sprouting across Nairobi. Such abuses of power provide a glimpse into the pervasive corruption within Nairobi City County.”
Kiarie also decried the conspicuous acquisition of luxury assets by senior Nairobi County officials, denouncing it as a blatant disregard for public welfare.
“Never before has Nairobi witnessed such brazen looting, accompanied by displays of arrogance, intimidation, marginalization, and undermining of dissenting voices,” he lamented.
“Fomenting discord among leaders and instigating conflicts has become a costly pastime for the Governor and his coterie of loyalists.”
Furthermore, Kiarie called for a change in leadership at City Hall, stressing the imperative of a coherent vision and a comprehensive master plan to steer policy formulation and development initiatives in the county.
“Nairobi deserves and demands leadership with a plan. Nairobi deserves leaders with a clear vision, anchored on a meticulously crafted master plan that will inform all policy formulations, legislative agendas, programs, and project decisions,” asserted the MP.
He urged the Senate, tasked with county oversight, to prioritize Nairobi and hold Governor Sakaja accountable for the capital’s dismal state.
“We call upon Governor Sakaja and his administration to be held accountable. We implore relevant audit, oversight, and investigative bodies to swiftly intervene and rescue Nairobi from the grips of rampant mismanagement and incompetence,” he urged.
“The Senate, vested with constitutional authority for county oversight, must urgently address the Nairobi situation. Governor Sakaja must answer to the citizens by appearing before the Senate. He must accept invitations to set the record straight and uphold transparency.”
