Mr Governor, here is why Nairobi needs no Superman

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko engaging with locals within Nairobi CBD on January 23, 2018 [File, Standard]

Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko is an amazing politician. Few Kenyan politicians can match his theatrics, drama and showmanship. And for that, the city sheriff is loved and loathed in equal measure. In his wake, Sonko has felled political giants including former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo and immediate former city governor, Evans Kidero.

When he burst onto the scene, the governor wowed Kenyans with his philanthropic acts, helping out poor folks in slums and responding to tragedies like the Sinai oil explosion. He would also adopt kids in distress, dish out handouts to mama mbogas and endeared himself to youths by helping establish car wash and small business stalls. As city senator, he formed the so-called Sonko Rescue Team, which would make highly publicised ‘bailouts’ for families in mourning by providing vehicles for funerals. However, when he announced he would vie for city governorship, many laughed off the idea. They thought Nairobi was too complicated for Sonko. He did not think that way and he steadily plotted his walk to City Hall.