DP asks Nairobi leaders to work together

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked elected leaders in Nairobi to work together towards bettering the lives of residents.

He also urged them to support the ongoing works on regeneration of the Nairobi rivers.

The DP said MPs, MCAs, senators and governors should avoid divisive politics in matters development, adding Kenyans desire that political leaders work together irrespective of their political formations.

He spoke on Wednesday at his official residence in Karen during a meeting between Nairobi county elected leaders, Nairobi Rivers Commission and senior government officials on regeneration of Nairobi rivers.

"The elections are over and what we have now are elected leaders irrespective of which part of political formation they come from. Do not allow myopic politics to come your way," he said.

"Serve the people without checking political formation. Elections are over, we don't have this side or that side. We are supposed to serve the people." 

Leaders present included Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri and MPs Phelix Jalang'o (Lang'ata), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Esther Passaris (Nairobi Woman Representative) and Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North).

Other MPs were Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji), Mejjadonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central) and James Gakuya (Embakasi North).

They praised the Deputy President over his leadership and continuous engagement with all elected leaders across political divide.

Gachagua said the 'modus operandi' for President William Ruto administration is 'continuous engagement with the people of Kenya and more so the elected leaders'.

"Our administration has tremendous respect for leaders, who have been elected to serve the people because they represent the wishes and aspirations of the people who elected them," he said.

Cabinet secretaries Aden Duale (Defence) and Zachary Njeru (Water) and Nairobi Rivers Commission chairperson Dr Pamela Olet were present.

Principal secretaries Festus Ng'eno (Environment and Climate Change), Teresiah Mbaika (Devolution), Charles Hinga (Housing and Urban Development), Nixon Korir (Lands), Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation) and Julius Korir (Water) were also present.

The meeting happened at a time most parts of the country are receiving enhanced rains.

"The ultimate goal of the commission is to reclaim the rivers of Nairobi into the blue and green socioeconomic resources for improved quality of life. This requires joint action from everyone," the DP said.

Gachagua asked the leaders to support the rivers regeneration programme since 'it is about the people, their future and greening of the city'.

"It is not possible for us to succeed in this programme (Nairobi Rivers Regeneration) without the participation and support of the elected leaders in the city. The programme is about the people of Nairobi. The city is important to all Kenyans and all of us," he said. 

"We have a responsibility to make sure we clean the Nairobi rivers and create an environmental friendly atmosphere in the city, which is the financial hub centre of East and Central Africa so that we bring back the green city in the sun. We have to work together," Gachagua said.

He urged leaders to support eradication of illicit brews and drug abuse in the capital city.

The Deputy President was responding to MP Hassan's request for enhancement of the ongoing crackdown on illicit brews and drug abuse.

He appealed to the leaders to support the ongoing crackdown and share information with the security agencies.

"We do not want the leaders to participate in the fight, we want them to help us in oversight and sharing of information. Many people in Nairobi have died in illicit brew dens and it is never reported," Gachagua said.

"Security officers condoning the menace will not be transferred to another working station but dismissed from public service."