Why Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Stepped Down as Witness in Gachagua’s Impeachment Trial
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s absence at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment trial on Wednesday has raised eyebrows especially from netizens who were eagerly anticipating to see him on the stand.
Sakaja, expected to be a key witness in the Senate trial, was listed by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi among the National Assembly’s witnesses. However, he was nowhere near Parliament when the session kicked off on Wednesday, October 16.
However, reports have confirmed that Sakaja was in Mexico City for the Bloomberg CityLab 2024 summit, where he featured as one of the keynote speakers.
The event schedule indicated that the Nairobi Governor joined discussions on urban governance, highlighting the role of youth in shaping city policies.
“Later today, Bloomberg CityLab reporter Fola Akinnibi will join Governor H.E. Sakaja Arthur Johnson of Nairobi, Kenya, to talk about what cities can learn from putting young people at the heart of decision-making,” the event programme read.
Sakaja had submitted an affidavit accusing Gachagua of unlawfully interfering with Nairobi County’s operations, including the relocation of traders from Wakulima Market to Kangundo Road Market
The affidavit detailed that the Deputy President allegedly “violated the principle of separation of powers” by holding rallies that incited the public against lawful county decisions.
Moreover, Sakaja accused Gachagua of using ethnic sentiments to disrupt efforts to reorganise traffic within Nairobi, particularly in relocating matatu terminals.
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