Governor Sonko laments after drivers, guards withdrawn

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko (pictured) has protested the withdrawal of about 20 drivers and guards that were attached to his office by Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

The governor said he woke up yesterday and found none of the drivers and guards from the City Inspectorate attached to his office. This left him with only bodyguards.

The drivers were moved to other departments by NMS in an effort to streamline operations. NMS put up an advert in local dailies with names of staff who were moved and ordered them to report to new workstations today.

“I'm the governor of the city but I am shocked to find all my county drivers and guards have been moved... and this leaves me exposed,” he said.

Sonko added: "If I have to leave my office or home, I will have to drive myself. All the drivers and askaris attached to my office have been recalled".

Sonko said he would seek audience with officials responsible following the developments. Sonko has had a frosty relationship with NMS over the redeployment of 6,000 City Hall workers.

The governor has threatened to withdraw his signature from a Deed of Transfer that saw key functions moved to the national government, saying the move did not transfer the askaris who work under the City Inspectorate.

Maj Gen Abdalla Badi heads the NMS.