Uphill task that awaits Sakaja in Azimio-dominated city

Nairobi governor-elect Johnson Sakaja is likely to face an uphill task in his bid to govern the Azimio-dominated county after the coalition won the most elective positions of MCAs and MPs.  

The former senator won the Nairobi governor seat after garnering 699,392  votes, beating Polycarp Igathe with 573,518 votes.

Nairobi county assembly is supposed to have 122 MCAs, out of which 85 are elected. Azimio coalition has 39 compared to Kenya Kwanza's 37.

However, in terms of parties, Deputy President William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance has the majority at 36 followed by Raila Odinga’s ODM with 35.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party won five seats, followed by Wiper with four, Chama Cha Kazi won one and independents won two.

Utawala and Kwa Njenga did not elect their MCAs on last Tuesday.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission rescheduled the election for the two wards to August 23. In Utawala, the postponement was due to the death of one of the candidates.  

It means that Sakaja will need to find a way of working smoothly with Azimio-allied MCAs in order to pass important business such as county budget, supplementary budget, county policies and motions.

Such important documents are passed at the assembly depending on the number of MCAs who voted for them.

MCAs who won on UDA tickets include Mark Mugambi (Umoja One), Waithera Chege (Nairobi South), Mukiri Muriku (Kahawa), Stephen Kimani (Zimmerman), Clement Gatune (Kahawa West), Deonysias Waithira (Githurai) Celment Gatune (Kahawa West), Deonysias Waithira (Githurai), Davidson 'DNG' Nguibuin (Woodley), Susan Kavaya (Mlango Kubwa), Joseph Ndung’u (Kiamaiko) and Mtumishi Chris Wanjohi of Komarock ward.

Others include James Karanja (Matopeni Spring Valley) Martin Warobi (Mowlem), Patrick Macharia (Maringo Hamza), Samora Mwaura (Clay City), Sam Kago (Mwiki), Jasho Ngaruiya (Kasarani), Carrington Heho (Njiru), Karis James Karanja (Ruai), Allan Gathuku (Dandora I), Paul Mathu Njambi (Dandora III), Paul Kariuki (Kayole North) and Jeremiah Karani from Kayole Central.

Others are  Fredrick Njoroge (Kawangware), Anthony Kiragu (Waithaka), Peter Mwangi (Uthiru Ruthimitu), Eric Kiogora (Riruta), DNG Ngibuini (Woodley), Aaron Wangare (Viwandani), Paul Ndung’u Petit (Pumwani), Hashim Kamau (California), John Kwenya (Nairobi Central), Chege Mwaura (Ngara), Peter Wahinya (Pangani), Gerald Mukuru (Ziwani), Simon Maina Mugo  (Landi Mawe) and Mark Thiga Ruiyi of Hospital ward.

The Raila-led side include Fiunifu Kamau (Karura), Kennedy Oyugi (Nyayo Highrise), Lawi Otieno (Sarangombe), Rosemary Shitote (Makina), Samson Ooko Jera (Lindi), Evans Nyangicha (Imara Daima), David Odhiambo (Dandora IV), Colins Omondi (Kayole South), Stazo Angila (Upper Savanah), David Magoba (Lower Savanah) and Ricardo Nyantika (Embakasi).

There is also Alvin Olando (Kitisuru), Stephen Gitau (Parklands Highridge), Suleiman Malenya (Kangemi), Maurice Ochieng (Mountain View), Moses Ogeto (Kilimani), Kennedy Sakwa (Gatina), Robert Alai (Kileleshwa), Clarence Munga (Kabiro), Anthony Muthoni (Karen), Jared Akama (Mugumoini), Abbas Khalif (South C) and Rex Omolleh (Nairobi West). 

Others are Fuad Mohamed (Airbase), Godfrey Majiwa (Babadogo), Shadrack Namuyu (Umoja II), Peter Imwatok (Makongeni), Ahmed Barbar (Eastleigh North) and Nicholas Juma from Eastleigh South ward

There is also Abel Atito (Utalii), Oscar Otieno (Mathare North), Victor Ochola (Lucky Summer), Absolom Onyango (Korogocho), Wilfred Odalo (Mabatini), Peter Oluoch (Huruma) and Redson Otieno (Ngei). 

Martin Mbugua (Mutuini) was elected on a Chama Cha Kazi ticket.

In terms of parliamentary seats, Azimio has painted the city blue after winning 13 seats out of 17.

Azimio coalition MPs elected in Nairobi on ODM include Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o (Lang'ata), Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), George Aladwa (Makadara), Tom Kajwang' (Ruaraka), Peter Orero (Kibra) and Antony Oluoch (Mathare).

Jubilee has Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Amos Mwago (Starehe) and Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji).

Kalonzo Wiper party retained the Embakasi South seat under incumbent Julius Mawathe.

 Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza affiliated legislators elected in Nairobi all came from UDA. They include Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), Mwafrika Augustine Kamande (Roysambu), James Gakuya (Embakasi North) and John Karie (Dagoretti South).

The Kasarani MP seat was bagged by Ronald Karauri who vied as an independent.

Apart from the MPs and MCAs, senator-elect Edwin Sifuna and Woman Representative-elect Esther Passaris are all under the Azimio coalition.

Sakaja, however, on Sunday said he was ready to work with anyone regardless of their political affiliation.

He acknowledged his opponents, especially Azimio la Umoja coalition Polycarp Igathe, who he termed as a friend.

“Igathe held truth to what we believe in siasa safi, that politics is not enmity,” he said.

Giving his acceptance speech at Kasarani on Sunday, he said he was ready to assume office and start work towards a better Nairobi.

 “To the people of Nairobi, I will not let you down...Expect a new Nairobi of hope, order and dignity. You are in safe hands with me and my deputy Njoroge Muchiri,” he said. 

The outgoing senator went ahead and thanked his party leader Ruto for believing in him and picking him as the candidate.

“His excellency William Ruto, I am very thankful and want to thank especially Musalia Mudavadi and the entire Kenya Kwanza team,” he said. 

Sakaja further said the journey towards his victory has been marred with challenges to the point he was almost kicked out of the race.

“It has not been an easy journey as many didn't want me to be on the ballot," he added.

The governor-elect also recognised and commended former governors, singling out Evans Kidero whom he claimed laid the foundation of leadership and Mike Sonko whom he said has gone through numerous challenges. 

His deputy said he was ready to work and serve the people of Nairobi.

(edited by Amol Awuor)