- Members of Parliament, led by Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, urged the Deputy President to intervene and foster a better working relationship with the county government.
- The UDA MP emphasized that collaboration among leaders is crucial for development to reach constituents.
Image: Handout
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has undertaken to broker a truce between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and city leaders.
In a statement on Wednesday, Gachagua stated that Sakaja had sought his help to prevent tensions from escalating between him and elected officials.
Gachagua expressed his willingness to facilitate a meeting among the leaders to resolve their differences for the benefit of Nairobi residents who supported the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He spoke during a condolence visit to Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and his family over the loss of his brother David Gakuya.
"I had a very long discussion with Sakaja and I told him about the concerns some of the leaders of Nairobi have, that many of the people who voted for him do not feel that they are part of his government," the DP said.
"He acknowledged that there was a disconnect and he agreed there was a problem and that it's important to bring together all the leaders in Nairobi. I will organize a meeting with the MCAs, MPs, and the Governor, and I will preside over it."
One of the responsibilities of the Deputy President is to coordinate relations between the national and county governments.
Going further, Gachagua also praised Sakaja for taking responsibility and urged for dialogue to address any conflicts with the leaders.
"To resolve an issue, the first step is to take responsibility. I'm pleased that the Governor is open to this. So, I will soon convene the meeting to iron out our differences," he affirmed.
Members of Parliament, led by MP Gakuya, urged the Deputy President to intervene and foster a better working relationship with the county government.
The UDA MP emphasized that collaboration among leaders is crucial for development to reach constituents.
"We also want to be involved in city leadership. Kenya Kwanza MCAs feel neglected. We need your intervention to find a solution to this deadlock. You're the only one who can bring us together and guide us to working harmoniously," Gakuya appealed.
Regarding development initiatives in the city, DP Gachagua assured that the national government will implement numerous projects to improve the lives of city residents.
"In the past year, the President has tirelessly worked to stabilize the country's economy. We are ready to proceed, and I will plan a schedule to visit Nairobi county every two weeks to inaugurate development projects and engage with the people who overwhelmingly supported us," he promised.
The Deputy President was accompanied by a host of leaders including Members of Parliament Augustine Mwafrika (Roysambu), John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), John Kiarie KJ (Dagoretti South), Benjamin Gathiru MejjaDonk (Embakasi Central), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha) and Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North).
Others were Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Gitari Gachoki (Kirinyaga Central), George Gachagua (Ndaragwa) George Koimburi, (Juja), Joyce Kasimbi (Machakos Town), James Githua (Kabete) and Irene Njoki (Bahati).
Also present were former Starehe members of parliament Charles Kanyi Jaguar and members of the County Assembly from Nairobi, among other leaders.
Nairobi county assembly has 124 MCAs, where Azimio has the majority.
Out of the 124 MCAs, 85 are elected members while 39 are nominated.
UDA has 35 elected MCAs same as the ODM party. Jubilee has seven, Wiper four, CCK one, and three are independent.
In terms of MPs, Azimio also has the majority of those they control 12 Sub counties, leaving UDA with four and one under an independent candidate.