Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja files an affidavit supporting the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over misconduct that includes incitement along tribal lines and interference with county governance.
In the affidavit, Governor Sakaja states that DP Gachagua’s remarks have been fuelling ethnic tensions in the city, referring to a case regarding traffic management and the relocation of public transport terminals in Nairobi.
“His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua had previously interfered with the Nairobi City County Government’s management of traffic within the city, especially the relocation of matatu terminals, through ethnic incitement,” reads the affidavit in part.
When the controversy erupted in 2022, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing critique of Governor Sakaja’s move to eject matatus from the city centre, warning him to ‘tread carefully’ since such actions could backfire politically.
He accused Governor Sakaja of forgetting who mobilised voters for him, stating that decisions affecting businesses in Nairobi needed prior discussions with key stakeholders, particularly those who helped him rise to office.
On the other hand, Governor Sakaja also claims in the affidavit that DP Gachagua interfered with the proper discharge of the county government’s constitutional functions regarding alcohol control and regulation, which further undermined county autonomy.
He argues that these actions, which he describes as inciteful and demeaning, are grounds for impeachment.
“I earnestly believe that His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua’s inciteful and demeaning public statements and conduct are impeachable offences to the extent that they undermine devolution, undercut the functional and institutional integrity of county governments, and unjustifiably vilify and ridicule the leadership of county governments, especially the Nairobi City County Government.”
Public participation regarding the impeachment is currently underway, and MPs are expected to debate and vote on the motion in the coming days.
