Governor Sonko seeks control, fires top official

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko (pictured) has sacked County Secretary Leboo Morintat in his latest attempt to maintain control at City Hall.

Mr Leboo's replacement is Urban Planning Chief Officer Justus Kathenge. The changes were communicated through a letter dated February 19.

Leboo, who has held the position since July last year, will continue serving in his capacity as the public service management chief officer. Yesterday, Leboo did not respond to our calls and text messages for comment.

The change in guard at City Hall will be viewed as a desperate attempt by the embattled governor to call the shots despite his legal woes.

Sonko is currently embroiled in a Sh357 million graft case that has seen him barred from accessing his office until the matter is determined.

His future at City Hall also hangs in the balance in light of an impeachment motion that was tabled against him by Makongeni ward representative Peter Imwatok last week.

In Sonko's absence, Leboo has been chairing Cabinet meetings as well as making trips to the offices of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to provide crucial county documents needed in the probes into alleged financial and administrative impropriety at City Hall.

For the last three months, Leboo has also played a key role in ensuring that persons of interest in Sonko’s cabinet as well as other county employees are available to the authorities for questioning.