UDA, ODM leaders defend Sakaja, call out his critics

Some Kenya Kwanza and ODM leaders on Saturday defended Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over the ongoing criticism of his performance as the county chief.

They alleged that the attacks on Sakaja were being sponsored by top politicians who wanted the county taken over by someone from their community.

The leaders said Sakaja should be given time to deliver on his mandate.

Led by Makadara MP George Aladwa who said members of the ODM party will not fall prey to political blackmail by a section of leaders.

"We as a party are fully behind the leadership of Governor Sakaja. We are very supportive of his development agenda," Aladwa said.

The MPs and other leaders were speaking at Kiminini in Trans Nzoia on May 18, during a Memorial service for Mama Emily Sakaja, mother to Governor Sakaja.

Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje said the politics of ethnicity had no place in Nairobi and those who are furthering such politics will not be given room.

"We know there are efforts to dislodge Sakaja politically not because he has not performed but because of tribalism," Mwenje said.

He vowed that they would defend Sakaja and support his efforts to transform Nairobi into a modern-day metropolis.

Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi said the politics of Nairobi leadership cannot be reduced to an ethnic contest but should be based on ideologies.

"Nairobi or Kenya does not belong to any specific tribe, so we should desist from this habit of judging others based on their ethnicity,"  Sudi said.

ODM members of the County Assembly from Nairobi City County who were also present vowed to oppose any bid to table an impeachment motion against Governor Sakaja.

"We will not support any bid to impeach the governor. We know those who are against Governor Sakaja are from his UDA party," Imwatok said.

Governor Sakaja said he is committed to delivering on his development agenda and promised to keep working in partnership with all leaders.

"I will remain focused and committed to transforming Nairobi and we will work with all those who have goodwill for Kenyans," Sakaja said.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya urged fellow leaders to prioritise the participation of residents in their respective areas of jurisdiction in economic and political affairs to end the cycles of poverty and create a conducive environment for development.

Natembeya said that the people of the former Western province had lots of energy and ideas that could be harnessed as positive instruments of change to counteract the adverse impact of rampant poverty.

"For us in the Luhya community it's time to let the logs go off from the shoulders of the carriers who are now tired," Natembeya said.

Natembeya said beneficiaries of the status quo and others thriving on the disunity of the Luhya community had gathered to sabotage it.

"Their horses are ready for war to abort the dream of seeing the community find its bearing that will see its ascent to the highest seat of power in times to come," Natembeya said.

The county boss said his call for the unity of the Mulembe Nation had been misconstrued for the entrenchment of tribalism.

"When talking of the Luhya Unity don't make us feel guilty, other communities are talking the same," Natembeya said.

The governor said that the Mulembe Nation must organise itself to benefit from an equitable share of revenue.

"The Tawe movement is unstoppable and does not target anyone but the interests of the Luhya Nation," Natembeya said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich said he stood for the call to end the cycle of poverty among residents of the region through " Economic development.

"I join all of you here in reaffirming my total support for the economic transformation of this wider region but at the same time challenge you to work together with other communities including supporting President William Ruto", he said.

The economic transformation, he said will be implemented through electing rightful leaders.