- The governor, in his view, says succession politics is not only an insult to voters but an injustice.
- "The focus right now should be on delivery," he said.
Image: NCCG
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has told off leaders engaging in 2027 succession politics.
The governor, in his view, says succession politics is not only an insult to voters but an injustice.
"The focus right now should be on delivery. We do injustice to people when as soon we are elected we start thinking about the next elections, instead of thinking about the next generation," Sakaja said during an interview with the Star.
"We say politicians think of the next elections, leaders think of the next generation."
The governor further said that his administration has taken bold actions in thinking of the next generation in terms of projects.
"That is why we are feeding the next generation children through Dishi na county, why we are issuing bursaries," he said.
Sakaja said within one year, his administration had increased bursaries by Sh1.8 billion which is more than half was done in 10 years.
"In 10 years Nairobi did Sh3 billion for bursaries and in one year, we have surpassed more than half of that. This is because we are investing and going to the ground," he said.
Over the weekend, the governor unveiled a Sh857 million bursary program in Nairobi, to benefit 124,100 deserving yet financially challenged students.
In addition to that, Sakaja urged other leaders to respect President William Ruto and avoid succession talks at the moment.
He said that the matter of succession would be determined by the voters who elected the leaders in office.
"I think we should respect the President, support his agenda, and stop the succession talks of 2027 and 2032. Kenyans love politics and we can't stop them. But as leaders, we should not lose focus and that is why I think succession talks are premature and unnecessary," he said.
"We should thank God for the current positions he has given us today and serve the people. They are the ones to make the judgment."
Politicians have started early campaign and lobbying talks, three years ahead of the 2027 polls.
Over the weekend, some Ukambani leaders urged Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka to traverse the country and campaign for the presidency.
The politicians said the former vice-president is ripe for the country's top job, insisting that 2027 will be his time.
They vowed to aggressively campaign for Kalonzo's presidential bid.
Still last week, a group of Murang’a leaders expressed their endorsement for Kiharu Member of Parliament Nyoro to serve as the deputy to President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Wiper leader Kalonzo is also of the view that the Azimio la Umoja Coalition should agree on the 2027 lineup this year.
Already, Democratic Action Party of Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa also declared interest in the presidential 2027 race.
Image: MAUREEN KINYANJUI