I'll not be moved by critics - Sakaja says, defends Atwoli

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has said he will not lose focus in his bid to deliver his mandate to the people of the City.

The County boss said opposition from a section of legislators whom he accused of planning to derail the rollout of his development agenda will not move him.

Sakaja who was reacting to remarks made by Cotu boss Francis Atwoli, who last Sunday said he was pained by those attacking him (Sakaja), asked the veteran unionist not to be swayed by naysayers.

"Don't feel pain (to Atwoli). You know I also feel pain when I see you being attacked. I have seen they have also started attacking you," Sakaja said.

"Don't lose hope papa for those sent to attack me are the same ones that have been sent people to attack you." 

The governor spoke on Wednesday during Labor Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

"My father Atwoli you said you are deeply pained when you see your son (Sakaja) attacked,  I would like to tell you my father that it is normal. It is politics," he said 

Sakaja said he was being pushed to lose focus on the work he is doing to transform Nairobi. 

To Atwoli, he told him to remain firm asking his nemesis to give time and respect to deliver his mandate.

"Stand firm. You are the leader of the trade union movement not just in Kenya but in Africa. You must be respected. Francis Atwoli should be given his due respect as the leader of workers not only in Kenya but also Africa at large," the governor said. 

Atwoli on Sunday said he is hurt each time Sakaja is attacked by his critics. 

Speaking during the Cotu thanksgiving service at St Stephen's ACK Church, Jogoo Road, Atwoli said that he has tried to restrain himself and will continue to do so, but everyone should tell the Governor that his father (Atwoli) is not happy with the attacks on him.

He explained that when Sakaja's dad retired, he left him under his care.

He noted that when people stand on TV and say bad things about the Nairobi Governor, he gets pained.

"You all know Sakaja is my son and when I asked you to make him Senator of Nairobi, you did. He’s my boy. When his father retired and left him behind, he left him under our care."

"When someone stands on TV hitting that boy (Sakaja) the first person to feel hurt is the father. And I will try to restrain myself and everyone should tell him the father is not happy," Atwoli said.