•Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that the Governor reached out to him to broker a truce between him and Nairobi leaders.
•Governor Sakaja further noted that the meeting will also be a platform for Nairobi leaders to discuss certain projects and consult on other issues.
Image: Handout
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has explained why he and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will meet Nairobi UDA leaders.
Sakaja told the Star that the upcoming meeting was meant to bring the leaders together and discuss the party's upcoming grassroots elections.
"Top of the agenda will the upcoming UDA grassroots elections set for next month. As the ruling party and more the capital city it is important for us (Nairobi leaders) to speak in one voice," he said on Thursday.
Last year in November, the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) postponed its grassroots elections that had been slated for December 9.
Following a deliberative meeting of UDA’s National Steering Committee chaired by the Party leader William Ruto, the Party has resolved to postpone the elections to April 12th, 19th, and 26th 2024.
UDA, which said it has 7.2 million registered members, will use technology to ensure the grassroots polls are above board.
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, the 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. They control 12 Sub counties, leaving UDA with four and one occupied by an independent candidate.
The Governor further noted that the meeting will also be a platform for Nairobi leaders to discuss certain projects and consult on other issues.
"The meeting will be a unifying event where the MPs and MCAs will also get updated on various projects within the city as well as discuss the Kenya Kwanza manifesto and its impact on Nairobi," Sakaja added.
His statement came after DP Gachagua said that the Governor reached out to him to broker a truce between him and Nairobi leaders.
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.
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 date of the meeting has not yet been announced.