Why Sakaja Wants Ruto To Engage With Raila

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Sunday, March 12 urged President William Ruto to engage the opposition to avert the mass action set for Monday, March 20.

Speaking after a church service in Roysambu, Sakaja claimed that Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, presented legitimate concerns that cannot be ignored, even though he maintained that nobody wants a handshake.

He urged the Head of State to make the 'hard' decisions for the sake of Kenyans and for progress in the country, referring to previous governments who have made unfavourable decisions for the sake of the country.

Governor Johnson Sakaja at Kahawa West at St. Joseph Mukasa church on March 12, 2023. /FACEBOOK.JOHNSON SAKAJA

"No one wants a handshake, no one wants nusu mkate but we must acknowledge all leaders and hear what are their legitimate concerns. In very tough times, even from the time of President Moi, decisions have been made that are bigger than an individual, this country is bigger than any one person," he addressed.

Sakaja claimed that while Ruto was demonstrating his willingness to work with Kenyans, there is a section of his allies who are pushing him into maintaining a hard stance against the opposition.

"However, there are some leaders who are trying to become hardliners, telling the president not to reach out. 

"The politics of exclusion are not the politics of Kenya Kwanza. Its politics and leadership is politics of inclusion and I know that is what the President stands for despite being surrounded by people who are afraid of unity," he went on, further referring to the Bible which stated that blessed are the peacemakers.

The county boss further confirmed that he received concerns from a section of business owners and entrepreneurs in Nairobi regarding the mass action on March 20, but promised that there would be peace and stability in the capital city during that period, warning leaders against plunging the country into a crisis.

"It is very easy to destroy, but it is not easy to build. The economy is tough and the people are suffering. People's livelihoods are at stake and now that things are picking up, it is time for us to talk," he added.

Sakaja however sided with Ruto who remarked that the government needed more time to deliver some of the promises it made to Kenyans.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on the same day warned President Ruto against entering into any handshake deals, claiming that it derailed previous regimes. However, he maintained that the final decision lay with Ruto and that he would be vigilant to ensure that the Kenya Kwanza regime did not fail.

Sakaja has been in bad blood with Gachagua since the former's plan to kick matatus out of the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).