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Members of the Nairobi County Assembly pushing for the impeachment of Governor Johnson Sakaja yesterday insisted they have the requisite numbers to table the motion, even as they admitted that hurdles remain.
But another group of Azimio MCAs rejected the bid to oust Sakaja.
By Tuesday, MCAs led by Minority Deputy Leader Waithera Chege and Godfrey Majiwa (Baba Dogo) said they were confident that the threshold required to introduce the motion had been met.
“The threshold for an impeachment motion to be tabled requires 42 members, which we have already met and surpassed,” Waithera said.
Some MCAs claimed that about 56 ward representatives had appended their signatures to the impeachment motion, which is awaiting verification by the Clerk.
“We cannot disclose the signatures we have collected until they are formally received by the Clerk. However, we have already met and exceeded the threshold. It is unfortunate that the Speaker, who is expected to act as a fair referee, has been absent,” Waithera added.
Meanwhile, a group of ODM Ward Reps led by Majority Leader Peter Imwatok said they oppose the impeachment, arguing that the recently adopted co-operation agreement with the national government will enable it to take over and complete key projects. “We stand firmly for unity, stability and the development of Nairobi. Our focus is on delivering services to residents, not engaging in unnecessary political distractions,” said Imwatok.
They described the impeachment plan as misplaced and ill-timed.
However, some ODM Ward Reps did not attend the meeting, claiming that they were being coerced.
Among them were Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Majiwa, both of whom support the impeachment. They challenged those opposed to the motion to allow it to be tabled in the Assembly.
“I have seen them claiming that they have the numbers. If you indeed have the numbers, why not allow the motion to be tabled in the Assembly? That is the only place where the numbers can be tested,” Alai said.
Majiwa, who once served as the Mayor of Nairobi, observed that the only way to settle the debate is to allow the motion to proceed.
Another ODM member, Jared Akama (Mugumoini), acknowledged that Nairobi continues to face challenges but said the co-operation deal was designed to address them.
“Impeachment should not proceed at this time. As MCAs, we should give ourselves the opportunity to oversee the implementation of the agreement between the President and the Nairobi County Government,” he said.
Kitusuru MCA Alvin Palapala, who has previously criticised Sakaja, conceded that the planning department still faces challenges but said he had opted to focus on his constituents instead of political confrontation.
“We have issues in Nairobi, but I have chosen to concentrate on my Ward. I do not wish to engage in political fights. I have work to do on the ground,” he said.
