Why Miguna Miguna deserves to be the next Nairobi governor

Nairobi is strategic to the economy of Kenya with over 50 per cent of the country’s GDP generated in the capital. The city hosts most Government offices and is also home to an international airport and a national park, not to mention KICC, the ideal venue for meeting. Nairobi is the face of Kenya, meaning it must be well managed.

Residents must look beyond money and tribe when choosing leaders on August 8. The battle should go beyond competition between political parties to looking at the best interests of the city and its residents. We should carefully analyse records of those who have offered themselves for the most important position of governor before choosing one.

The incumbent Evans Kidero has done nothing to improve the city with all the billions the county collects in taxes and what it receives from the national government. Kidero has failed to do even the simplest thing - keep the city clean. Nairobi is filthier than ever before with garbage strewn all over. 

The county government under Kidero is accused of massive corruption. Also, Kidero has not shared his manifesto. May be he doesn’t have one. Meanwhile, some feel Mike Sonko may achieve more but are not sure if he will prudently manage public resources. He does not also carry himself with decorum of the holder of the office of governor.

Again, Sonko does not seem to have a plan or vision for Nairobi. He says he is still developing his manifesto yet this should have been the first thing to do. This begs the questions; on what basis was he nominated? Why does he really want to be governor? You can’t hold him to account based on what he promised verbally as would be with a written manifesto.

Former MP Peter Kenneth should not even contest the seat; he is an enemy of democracy. You cannot go through nominations, lose then turn around to declare you are an independent candidate. Kenneth does not believe in competition.

Only Miguna Miguna, also running as an independent, seems to have a plan for Nairobi. His elaborate manifesto, if implemented, should take Nairobi to the next level. Maybe Nairobians should give him a chance, the way Americans gave Barack Obama, because of his great ideas. [Sam Otieno, Nairobi]