• Sakaja's candidacy was stoked by controversies over allegations that he doesn't hold a degree. A degree is a mandatory qualification for holders of a governor's seat.
• Ruto said despite the many hurdles he faced, Sakaja emerged victorious at the polls.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
President-elect William Ruto has described Johnson Sakaja as a miracle governor.
In his congratulatory speech shortly after Sakaja was sworn in on Thursday the KICC, Nairobi, Ruto said it took God’s hand for Sakaja to be on the ballot.
"You are a miracle candidate and it wouldn't have happened without God, you understood the place of God in the elections,” he said.
Sakaja's candidacy was stoked by controversies over allegations that he doesn't hold a degree.
A degree is a mandatory qualification for holders of a governor's seat.
Ruto said despite the many hurdles he faced, Sakaja emerged victorious at the polls.
The President-elect told Sakaja to immediately start working on serving Nairobi residents who have entrusted him with Kenya’s economic hub.
"As Kenya Kwanza team, you made us proud and we have full confidence in you... Sakaja you are a miracle candidate and Nairobi has the best it can have as governor ,” Ruto added.
Ruto reminded the new city boss not to forget the campaign pledges they made to the electorate in Nairobi and ensure all are delivered.
The DP also assured him of total support, saying he will be available for consultations if need be.
"On the commitment we made on construction of markets, collecting garbage, matters infrastructure and that every hustle counts…I will be at hand to support you.”
He also reminded Sakaja of a discussion they had on transforming rivers in Nairobi from their current filth state into economic enterprises.
"I ask all Nairobi leaders to join hands with Sakaja and take the city to the next level,” Ruto said.
The President-elect also assured all the elected governors that he will work with them and support them in ensuring that they deliver on their mandate.
He said his government will ensure timely release of shareable revenue to the devolved units in accordance with the law to enable them deliver services to citizens.
Ruto congratulated all elected governors, the new and old, especially female county bosses who overcame stiff competition from their male counterparts to win the seats.
"Allow me to specially congratulate all the elected female governors from three in last election to seven in this election. We are proud of you as a nation,” Ruto said.
After being sworn in, Sakaja left for City Hall in his first ride in the official governor’s car - a Rolls Royce.
The navy blue automobile is customised with curtains and an extra seat that can be converted into a table.
It is an official car of Nairobi County, with the number plate NCC 1.
The vehicle was bought in 1966 for Sh217,000 and is mainly used during public functions.
On arrival at City Hall, Sakaja inspected his first guard of honour mounted by city askaris.
All the county inspectorate officers were lined up in full county uniform.