Governor Sakaja denies fallout with DP Gachagua

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja when he launched trucks that will be used to make Nairobi Green at Uhuru park on September 10,2023. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has cleared the air over alleged fallout with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The governor was responding to reports that he is not seeing eye to eye with the second in command.

This came after a video emerged that the DP snubbed Sakaja during an event attended by President William Ruto on September 25 at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

In the video clip, Gachagua is seen alighting from a vehicle before exchanging pleasantries with some politicians leaving behind the governor who was also at hand to receive him.

But appearing on a television interview on Sunday Sakaja clarified that the DP did not snub him as was being alleged.

“His Excellency the Deputy President is a senior person and leader, I respect him a lot,” he said.

“Some people were claiming that he snubbed me at Uhuru Park, in fact that day I had worn a reflector jacket and other people were in suits,” he added.

Sakaja said later on he had a conversation with Gachagua contrary to reports doing rounds.

“May be he spotted those who were in suits but later when we were in a room he realized my presence and we spoke. I don’t blame him and for sure there is no politician who can do that because such a move will likely demean them,” he said.

The governor declared that he is not eyeing any position in the United Democratic Alliance.

“I don’t want to be the Deputy President or deputy party leader, at the moment I have Nairobi county which is my focus unless the President says he wants my skills in the party, for now I'm a servant of the people,” he said.

Last year Gachagua asked Sakaja to go slow on some key decisions that could hurt city traders.

The DP made the remarks after the governor directed long distance public service vehicles to vacate the city centre and operate from the Green Park bus terminus.

The bus terminus which cost up to Sh250 million was expected to decongest and bring order in the central business district.

Efforts to push matatus to the new terminus have since stalled after it emerged that it was not convenient for town service and long distance buses and matatus.