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Sakaja takes debate on Nairobi’s elusive search for deputy governor to Senate


Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja has taken the debate on Governor Mike Sonko’s long search for a deputy governor to the Senate.

Sakaja argues that the Nairobi County executive is not properly constituted.

He now wants the Senate’s Standing Committee on Devolution to pronounce itself on the matter.

The Senator wants an explanation from the committee on why Nairobi county government has been operating without a deputy governor, the required number of County Executive Members and a substantive Speaker.

“The blatant ignoring and undermining of the role of a deputy governor sets a dangerous precedent to county governments and is a threat to the spirit of devolution,” he argued on Tuesday.

Sakaja referred to the Supreme Court ruling that directed that the offices of deputy governors that fall vacant be filed within 14 days.

“The county government is not properly constituted and this has led to lack of proper service delivery to the people of Nairobi. If the Senate cannot pronounce itself on this matter, I don’t know which other matter the Senate can pronounce itself in and be respected,” he added.

Nairobi County has not had a deputy governor since January 2018 when Polycarp Igathe resigned, five months after election, citing his failure to earn Governor Sonko’s trust.