Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna….Photo/IP.
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP).
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing mounting political pressure after a former Member of County Assembly filed a petition seeking his removal from office over allegations of gross misconduct, financial opacity, and dereliction of duty.
The petition, submitted by Maxwell Ocher to the Nairobi County Assembly, accuses Sakaja of failing to account for county funds, delaying payments to contractors, and interfering with procurement processes in violation of the law.
“The governor has persistently violated the principles of good governance, including transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public resources,” the petition reads.
As the County Assembly prepares to consider the petition, Speaker Kennedy Nondisclosure emphasized that the bar for impeachment remains high and must be backed by documentary evidence.
Under Kenyan law, impeachment of a governor requires a formal petition, approval by a two-thirds majority in the County Assembly, and a subsequent hearing and vote in the Senate.
Sakaja, who is abroad on official business, had not issued a formal response by press time. Insiders in his office dismissed the petition as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the political spotlight is shifting toward Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, whose name has surfaced as a potential challenger in the 2027 gubernatorial race.
The recent decision by Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi to shift his political base to Bungoma has fueled speculation that Sifuna may be the preferred ODM candidate to face Sakaja.
Sifuna, a lawyer and vocal figure in national politics, is gaining traction among voters frustrated by stalled service delivery and unfulfilled promises.
Many see him as a more credible and reform-minded alternative to both Sakaja and other aspirants, including MP Babu Owino.
Observers say Sifuna’s candidacy could reshape Nairobi’s political landscape, especially if Sakaja continues to face questions over governance and accountability.
Disillusioned residents are already calling for a change in leadership, citing persistent issues such as garbage collection, poor roads, and rising living costs.
The County Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is expected to review the petition in the coming days to determine whether it meets the threshold for further action.
As political alignments shift and rival camps maneuver ahead of 2027, the battle for Nairobi’s top seat is beginning to take shape — with Sifuna fast emerging as a front-runner.
— IP Team.
