Barely 24
hours have passed since Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko officially surrendered key
county functions to the national government.
On Tuesday,
the embattled governor handed over crucial functions of health, transport,
public works, and planning to the national government. President Uhuru Kenyatta
and Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka were witnesses in an agreement signed by the
Nairobi governor and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
While some politicians and lawyers have since argued on the constitutionality of the move, recent developments at the City Hall seem to point out that the flashy governor may as well be on the verge of completely surrendering his helm at the county.
If you are
used to seeing the beautifully carved lion sculptures at the City Hall
entrance, chances are you are likely to never see them again, at least not at
the county headquarters.
This morning, photos of the sculptures being moved swept social media platforms. Rather than resting on either side of the entrance, the lions are seen on a stationery canter outside the county offices.
Although
Governor Sonko was rarely seen at City Hall, choosing to run most county
functions from his Mua Hills home, the photos have further sparked debate among
Kenyans that the governor's reign is coming to an irreversible end.
"End of an error: Sonko's lion sculptures outside City Hall removed. Apparently, someone set them ablaze at night, #SonkoSurrenders" tweeted one Augustine Sang.
"By
handing over Nairobi County to the National government without a fight and
informing the people who voted for him, Mike Sonko has conceded that he has
failed and should do the honorable thing and step down. Nairobi is bigger than
Sonko's political ambition. #SonkoSurrenders" added Muthui Mkenya.
Nairobi
Governor Mike Sonko is facing graft charges in a case filed by the Ethics and
Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).