Forgive Me- Sakaja Over Row With Gachagua

He called upon his followers to respect Gachagua...

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jan 10, 2023 - 10:45 Updated: Jan 10, 2023 - 10:46
0
Forgive Me- Sakaja Over Row With Gachagua
Collage of Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. /VIRALTEAKE

Nairobi governor, Johnson Sakaja, has asked Kenyans for forgiveness amidst tensions between him and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking during an Inooro TV interview on Tuesday, January 10, Sakaja expressed remorse that the row spiralled out of control, leading to political tensions in areas outside the precincts of Nairobi.

“I ask for forgiveness from Kenyans because of how it has played out in public. There are people who have taken advantage.

"You find that affairs of Nairobi are being talked about by politicians from Bungoma to Nyeri, Muranga, and even Vihiga,” Sakaja said.

Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja in his office. /TWITTER.JOHNSON SAKAJA

The governor criticised those who took advantage of the row between them to score political points, adding that the issues between them internally.

He called upon his followers to respect Gachagua, adding that they should not resort to something they have never heard him do.

“Respect the deputy president. If you have never heard me insult anyone, then don’t do it on my behalf,” Sakaja said.

On Monday, January 10, Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, questioned the conduct of Gachagua, accusing him of turning himself into a national joke, delivering illegal decrees and generally behaving like a District Officer (DO) from a bygone era.

Sifuna added that he chose to break his silence on the row as he was elected by the Nairobi residents to draw the line on the constitutional and democratic order when any individual threatens both.

"Article 96 of our constitution enjoins me as the Senator of Nairobi to be the Protector of the interests of Counties and their Governments. It is this mandate that forces me to now speak on the recent conduct of the Deputy President.

"DP Gachagua has in the past few weeks had a tiff with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over management of city affairs, which most right-thinking Kenyans have rightfully ignored given the DPs unmatched ability to be a national nuisance. But he has now gone a step further and reportedly declared that he can direct any Governor on what to do," he blasted.

Sifuna educated Gachagua by reminding him that the 2010 Constitution, in creating devolved units, made them distinct governments in their own right and are therefore not subject to direction or control by the national government.

He added that the Governors do not report to Gachagua, who therefore has no power over county governments and must desist from interfering with their work.

Sifuna's statement came hours after Gachagua told bar owners and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators in the city to go on with their businesses and disregard directives issued by Sakaja.

Sakaja's plan to relocate long-distance matatus from the Central Business District (CBD) to the new Green Park termini to decongest the city as well as the ban on nightclubs in Nairobi estates has seen him lock horns with the Deputy President for weeks.

Matatus in Nairobi CBD. /FILE

Tags: