Sakaja Flies to Mexico to Dodge Appearing in Senate to Give Evidence in Gachagua Impeachment – What’s the Real Deal?

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja pulled a vanishing act that’s got everyone talking! While all eyes were on the Senate for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment trial on Wednesday, Sakaja was nowhere to be seen – and for good reason. The man had jetted off to sunny Mexico for a prestigious summit, leaving Gachagua’s legal team fuming.

The Senate session, a critical moment for Gachagua as he battles accusations of overstepping his authority, saw the absence of one key witness – Sakaja himself! Senate Speaker Amason Kingi had already listed him as a crucial player in the proceedings, but instead of the Senate floor, Sakaja was mixing with the international elite in Mexico City. He was one of the stars of the Bloomberg CityLab 2024 summit, where he was featured as a keynote speaker. His topic? How the youth are shaping the cities of tomorrow.

“Later today, Bloomberg CityLab reporter Fola Akinnibi will sit down with Governor Sakaja of Nairobi to discuss how cities can benefit by putting young people at the heart of decision-making,” the programme boasted, shining a light on Sakaja’s jet-setting adventure.

Back in Kenya, Gachagua’s lawyer Ndegwa Njiru was not pleased, having expected to grill Sakaja on his claims. According to a bombshell affidavit, Sakaja accused Gachagua of interfering with Nairobi County’s affairs. Top of the list? Allegations that the Deputy President meddled in the relocation of Wakulima Market traders and fuelled ethnic tensions in Nairobi’s transport sector.

Sakaja didn’t mince his words in the affidavit, blasting Gachagua for “violating the separation of powers” and using divisive tactics to undermine county decisions. He claimed Gachagua incited Nairobi residents, making it impossible to regulate traffic or manage the relocation of matatus.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, Sakaja steered clear of the political heat, chatting about Nairobi’s subsidised meals programme. This stark contrast to the Senate drama back home left many wondering – did Sakaja intentionally dodge the trial? Was his trip just well-timed, or is there more going on behind the scenes?

Sources say Sakaja’s Mexico trip was planned well in advance, so his no-show at the Senate wasn’t a last-minute decision. But the timing certainly has tongues wagging. What’s more, Sakaja’s affidavit also took aim at Gachagua’s alleged interference in liquor regulations, branding his actions “reckless” and damaging to devolution.

So, what’s next in this high-stakes political saga? With Sakaja busy globetrotting, it’s clear the drama back home is far from over. Stay tuned – this battle has only just begun!