Former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) chairperson Irungu
Nyakera has spoken out against attempts to impeach Nairobi Governor Johnson
Sakaja, saying the move would undermine democracy.
In a statement, Nyakera said that while he might politically
benefit from Sakaja’s removal, having declared interest in the position come
2027, he does not support the push to send him home.
“While I would naturally stand to benefit if Governor Sakaja
were impeached, I do not support it. Nairobians freely chose him in 2022, and
democracy demands that we respect that choice, even when it proves difficult,” he
said.
The former Principal Secretary urged Governor Sakaja to move
away from “PR and theatrics” and focus on delivering his campaign promises in
the remaining two years of his term.
He also challenged city residents to reflect on their voting
choices, saying the situation should serve as a lesson ahead of the 2027
elections.
“Leadership is about proven ability, integrity, and
accountability. Let’s choose better in 2027,” Nyakera said.
Nyakera is among at least five individuals who have declared
interest in leading the Nairobi City County Government.
His remarks come amid talks of a planned move to impeach
Sakaja and his deputy Njoroge Muchiri by the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
Some Nairobi members of the County Assembly (MCAs) last week
threatened to impeach Governor Johnson Sakaja over unspecified grievances.
The MCAs met in an informal assembly convened by their
speaker early Tuesday morning at City Hall, where the issue of the planned
impeachment was discussed.
However, critics have dismissed the plan, wondering how the
MCAs want to execute the motion given that the assembly is on recess.
The MCAs are yet to draft the motion or collect the required
signatures as they plan a retreat next week to deliberate on the move.
Speaker Ken Ng’ondi said that although the issue of
impeachment came up during the informal meeting, nothing concrete had been
crafted.
“You cannot stop any member from speaking in such a forum.
Someone can even shout, "Speaker Must Go." However, when it comes to
impeachment, there are procedures to be followed,” he said.
According to Ng’ondi, he can only comment about any planned
impeachment if a member brings a petition to his office that states the
grounds.
“An impeachment of a governor is not about a mob lynching but about establishing grounds. After such a Kamkunji, any member can make a follow-up
and draft a motion indicating the grounds.”
