NAIROBI, Kenya — Fresh divisions have emerged within the Nairobi City County Assembly over a renewed push to impeach Governor Johnson Sakaja, exposing cracks among Members of County Assembly (MCAs) even as the county prepares to benefit from an Sh80 billion cooperation deal with the national government.
While a faction of MCAs claims it has gathered enough signatures to remove the governor, the Azimio coalition wing has strongly opposed the move.
The group argues that leaders should prioritise the implementation of the cooperation agreement instead of triggering political instability at City Hall.
Speaking on behalf of Azimio members, Majority Leader Peter Imwatok said attention must shift to executing the deal entered after President William Ruto invoked Section 6 (5) and (6) of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011.
The provisions allow structured collaboration between national and county governments on joint projects.
“It is now time to allow both the National Government and the County Government to collaborate as intended under the cooperation agreement and deliver tangible results for our residents,” Imwatok said.
He thanked the President for what he termed a bold step and confirmed that the Assembly unanimously approved the cooperation framework, signalling bipartisan support for the development plan.
Imwatok warned colleagues against destabilising the Assembly, adding that Azimio members were guided by the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s position to allow Sakaja to complete his term.
Mugumoini MCA Jared Akama acknowledged governance challenges in Nairobi but urged members to give the agreement time to address them.
“The issue of impeachment should not happen for now. As MCAs, let us give ourselves an opportunity for the implementation of the agreement between the President and the County Government of Nairobi,” he said.
Kitusuru MCA Alvin Palapala, previously critical of the governor, said he would focus on oversight rather than political fights.
He flagged concerns within the planning department, including zoning timelines and boards whose terms have allegedly lapsed but continue approving developments.
He said he had summoned officials to explain approvals issued in the past six months.
However, a rival bloc insists the impeachment motion should proceed to test numbers on the floor. Githurai MCA Mwangi Waithira questioned why opponents were blocking the tabling of the motion.
Baba Dogo MCA Godfrey Majiwa said proponents had surpassed the required 42 signatures, one-third of MCAs, needed to introduce the motion, and were confident of securing the 82 votes required for removal.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai challenged the Majority Leader to allow debate.
“If the MCAs against the impeachment claim to have numbers, why don’t you show them on the floor? Why not allow the notice to be served?” he posed.
Minority Deputy Leader Waithera Chege alleged the process stalled because the Clerk was unavailable to receive and verify signatures.
She claimed the motion contains 22 counts but declined to disclose details before verification.
Assembly Clerk Edward Gichana dismissed the claims, stating no MCA had approached his office with impeachment documents.
The standoff comes as the Assembly prepares to break for a one-month recess after Thursday’s plenary session, raising questions over whether the impeachment push will proceed before the break or spill into the next sitting period.
