Kenya, Aug. 26 -- In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, over 90 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Nairobi have resolved to initiate an impeachment motion against Governor Johnson Sakaja, citing incompetence and arrogance in his administration.
This unprecedented move, reported on August 26, 2025, underscores deep dissatisfaction with Sakaja's leadership, as allegations of mismanagement, abuse of office, and failure to deliver on promises continue to mount.
The decision follows months of public outcry and earlier petitions, marking a critical juncture for Nairobi's governance. The push for Sakaja's impeachment stems from a litany of grievances.
MCAs and residents alike have accused the governor of gross misconduct, including the alleged deployment of goons to disrupt peaceful protests on June 17, 2025, and unlawful evictions of tenants from county-managed estates.
Former Korogocho MCA Maxwell Achar, in a petition filed on June 30, claimed Sakaja violated constitutional principles by ignoring a 2019 Gazette Notice waiving rent arrears for county properties, falsely stating tenants owed up to 15 years of rent.
Such actions, critics argue, reflect a pattern of arrogance and disregard for legal frameworks, fueling calls for his ouster. Public sentiment, amplified on social media, mirrors the MCAs' frustrations.
Posts have highlighted Sakaja's alleged inability to account for billions in county funds, with some users labelling his leadership a "monumental disaster."
The move has gained traction, reflecting growing public demand for accountability in Nairobi's governance. Residents have also criticised stalled projects, delayed bursaries, and corruption scandals, which they claim have crippled service delivery in the capital.
The impeachment process, as outlined in Article 181 of the Kenyan Constitution and Section 33 of the County Governments Act, requires substantial evidence and a rigorous procedure.
Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ngondi emphasised that any petition must be backed by concrete documentation, particularly regarding claims of hired goons disrupting protests. Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu noted that while public petitions are permissible, a sitting MCA must formally introduce the motion for it to proceed.
If the assembly approves, the case will move to the Senate for trial, a process that could reshape Nairobi's political landscape.
Opposition to the impeachment exists, with some MCAs, led by California Ward Representative Hashim Kamau, denouncing the move as politically motivated.
They argue that external forces are orchestrating unfounded accusations to destabilise Sakaja's administration. In 2024, Sakaja dismissed similar impeachment threats, urging his team to focus on service delivery.
However, the current wave, backed by over 90 MCAs, signals a broader consensus that his leadership has failed to meet expectations.
For many Nairobians, the impeachment push reflects deeper concerns about governance and accountability. Residents like Bonface Sila Munyao, who previously filed a petition, have accused Sakaja of using intimidation tactics to silence dissent, particularly in housing disputes.
These allegations, combined with claims of appointing unqualified personnel to key positions, have intensified calls for change. The late Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve's earlier efforts to gather signatures for Sakaja's removal add a sombre note, with some speculating his mysterious death was linked to his activism, though no evidence confirms this.
As the impeachment motion gains momentum, the stakes are high for Nairobi, Kenya's economic hub. A successful ouster would mark a significant precedent, following recent impeachments like that of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai in August 2025.
However, Sakaja's political alliances with figures like President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga may complicate the process.
Critics argue that these connections have shielded him from earlier accountability efforts, but the sheer number of MCAs now backing the motion suggests his support is waning.
The coming weeks will be pivotal as the Nairobi County Assembly deliberates. Residents and observers await clarity on whether the petition will meet procedural thresholds and whether Sakaja can weather this storm.
For now, the resolve of over 90 MCAs to impeach Governor Sakaja over incompetence and arrogance has ignited a fierce debate, with Nairobians demanding a leadership that prioritises transparency, accountability, and effective governance.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.