Sakaja's city of waste, scandals and legal woes

Garbage that City Hall dumped at the entrance of Stima Plaza, Nairobi, on February 24, 2025. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] From being unapologetic for missing Senate summons to accusations of poor services, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has made a name for himself. And he is in a spot again, this time for dumping foul-smelling waste outside Stima Plaza in wrangle on utility bills. For the two-and-half years he has served as the City Hall chief, Sakaja has been at loggerheads with various leaders and business people. Some are now accusing him of arrogance. "It is childish and extremely wrong. These problems have been here since during Phillip Kisia time... I used to negotiate with the KPLC at their boardroom," said former Governor Mike Sonko. The National Environment Management Authority criticised the Governor, whose duty includes waste disposal, of offending Article 42 of the Constitution that states that every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment. "Despite the fact that Sakaja is embroiled in the fight with Kenya Power, if some other Kenyans decide to sue the county for exposing them to poor sanitation, which contributes significantly to deaths from diarrhea and can hinder child development by impeding the absorption of essential nutrients and reducing the effectiveness of life-saving vaccines, then taxpayers will lose their money since courts may end up awarding the litigants," said James Wambui, a lawyer. Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya referred to the dumping incident as "an act of terrorism". "You mean to tell us that we are negotiating with criminals in this country? That we should tolerate dissidents who defy the law? We expected the ministry to ensure the government brings these criminals to justice. Even the governor, arrest him and cut off power to City Hall," he said. Sakaja is no stranger to controversy. In February, his name was the talk of town after ODM leader Raila Odinga declared his support in what was seen as an endorsement for his re-election in 2027. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has declared interest in the seat, termed the Governor an embarrassment. Even as the dumping drama continues, Sakaja is on the spot after his Dishi Na County programme. The 2023/2024 Auditor General's report has questioned the use of Sh145,725,000 donated by the French government. "The audit could not ascertain the accountability for these funds. There were no established measures by the county executive regarding the management of the donations received, as there were no guidelines in place for handling such donations," said the report, noting that there is no formal agreement between the county and Food for Education. Last year, Sakaja was also starring during the UDA grassroots polls that were cancelled after his camp clashed with that of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya in the fight for Nairobi chairperson seat. Those against Sakaja accused him of mismanaging the party. "Nairobi city is drowning in the murky lakes of free-flowing sewerage, estates buried in mountains of garbage, taps whistling tunes of dryness, as storm waters flood homes and businesses," said Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie. The Governor dismissed his critics, claiming he was fought for working with Raila. Sakaja also faced onslaught from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused him of ignoring the plight of "Mt Kenya region businesspeople". Last year, the Governor was fined Sh500,000 for failing to appear before the Senate Energy Committee to answer queries over the Jua Kali, Embakasi, gas explosion, which killed six people and injured more than 270 others. But Sakaja said he rescheduled the hearing. "Sensationalising a rescheduling and making the Senate appear as if it acts in vain is what belittles the House. Many appearances by other invitees have been rescheduled due to travel, infirmity or prior booked official engagements," he said.

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