Nairobi, Kenya – September 2, 2025 — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has survived a looming impeachment after President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga separately met with ward representatives to defuse the political crisis.
ODM Puts Impeachment on Hold
On Tuesday, ODM MCAs agreed to suspend their plan to impeach Sakaja for 30 days following intervention by Raila Odinga. The ward representatives had already collected enough signatures but chose dialogue instead.
“We have met with Azimio MCAs and agreed that the impeachment motion be dropped so Nairobi leaders can work together for the people,” said George Aladwa, the ODM Nairobi Chairperson.
This development comes just weeks after other political clashes in the capital, including disputes over payroll transfers for UHC staff and governance concerns flagged by Supreme Court Justice Isaac Lenaola.
Ruto Calms UDA MCAs at State House
At State House Nairobi, President Ruto persuaded UDA ward representatives to back Sakaja despite their dissatisfaction with how county affairs have been managed. The lawmakers accused the governor of sidelining them in decision-making and development planning.
Ruto cautioned that an impeachment would derail service delivery in the capital. Instead, he urged leaders to embrace more consultations and focus on critical issues such as infrastructure, health services, and waste management.
MCAs Question Development Fund
The MCAs cited misuse of the Ward Development Fund, questioning how money was allocated and how bursary beneficiaries were selected. They argued that these issues provided grounds for impeachment.
Sakaja defended his administration, saying funds were distributed fairly across all wards:
- 2022/2023: Ksh.715.8 million allocated.
- 2023/2024: Ksh.925.6 million allocated.
- 2024/2025: Ksh.889 million set aside.
On bursaries, Sakaja revealed that Ksh.1 billion was allocated to over 119,000 students in 2022/2023. However, the Controller of Budget suspended county-issued bursaries last year, halting disbursement.
A One-Month Grace Period
ODM leaders gave Sakaja a one-month ultimatum to resolve disputes with MCAs or face renewed calls for impeachment.
“We have given Sakaja one month to sit down with the MCAs and agree on how they will work together,” Aladwa reiterated.
The truce provides temporary relief for the governor but leaves his political future uncertain. With Nairobi being Kenya’s economic hub, further political instability could affect millions of residents.
