Mike Sonko sworn in as Nairobi governor – PHOTOS
Nairobi’s newly elected governor Mike Sonko was on Monday sworn in to become the city’s second governor.
The elaborate event at Uhuru Park was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
Also in attendance were former governor Evans Kidero, his deputy Jonathan Mueke and newly elected Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
Mr Sonko listed access to water, better healthcare, proper sewage systems, reliable water supply, and well-maintained roads as some of his priorities.
HOPE FOR NAIROBIANS
“This important day is not historic because of the victory we celebrate today. Today is historic because there is finally hope for the people of Nairobi,” said Mr Sonko.
“I therefore stand before you today to declare that the old Nairobi has finally come to an end,” he said. “Today we join our hands to embark on a journey to fix a city that has badly been broken down, to a cleaner, greener, healthier and wealthier city.”
His main mission, he said, was to make Nairobi the City in the Sun, again.
” I have never made a promise that I never kept and this day I want to give you an assurance that Nairobi will never be the same again, I shall work round the clock to deliver,” Governor Sonko said.
“This auspicious event marks the end of the cartel that has held the people of Nairobi hostage for long…there shall be enough water in the city, no garbage as we have already demonstrated in the ongoing ‘Operation Ng’arisha Jiji.”
Mr Sonko’s deputy governor Polycarp Igathe, in his speech, promised to make Nairobi the best city.
Former governor Kidero thanked the people of Nairobi while wishing Governor Sonko the best as he starts his term.
SMOOTH TRANSITION
“ I promised a smooth transition and I have no problem referring to Mike Sonko as my Governor … Me and you pushed and tried to prove our worth to the people of Nairobi… I urge you to continue with the projects we started,” Mr Kidero said.
Governor Sonko will later host a music concert at the venue to be graced by Kenyan and Tanzanian artistes including Mr Nice and Rose Muhando.
Musicians Bahati, Sauti Sol, Rufftone, Esther Wahome, Jemimah Thiongo, Loise Kim and Ben Githae will be among the local artistes to perform at Uhuru Park.
In a poster welcoming Nairobians to the music event, Mr Sonko clarified that the event is ‘self-sponsored’ with no constribution from the county government or the Ministry of Devolution.
Mr Sonko had earlier ordered that the Sh25 million budgeted for the swearing in ceremony be redirected to pay workers salary arrears.
