Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja

By Kimberly Kalusi

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is once again staring at the possibility of impeachment, as Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) move to collect signatures to send him home over what they describe as a catalogue of failures, broken promises, and political betrayal.

The renewed push, announced after a tense meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, has intensified speculation that Sakaja’s days at the helm of City Hall could be numbered.

MCAs accuse the governor of becoming increasingly inaccessible, ignoring Assembly motions, and failing to disburse crucial funds such as bursaries and the Ward Development Fund. Deputy Minority Leader Waithera Chege (Nairobi South) said residents had grown restless as projects in wards remain incomplete three years into Sakaja’s tenure.

“Most members cannot even reach him on the phone. Residents want answers about bursaries, stalled ward projects, and deteriorating services, yet the governor appears detached from both the Assembly and the ground,” Chege said.

She confirmed that at least 96 out of 122 MCAs had signaled support for the motion, with a retreat scheduled next week to finalise the plan.

This is not Sakaja’s first brush with impeachment. Earlier this year, the late Joel Munuve, then Kariobangi North MCA, initiated a removal motion that fizzled out before debate. Additionally, two separate citizen petitions seeking to oust the governor were dismissed by Speaker Ken Ngondi.

But unlike previous attempts, this latest bid appears to have gained momentum, with MCAs across political lines frustrated by what they see as Sakaja’s deliberate sidelining of elected leaders.

Rivalries and Alleged Political Betrayal

The governor’s relationship with ward representatives has deteriorated further amid claims he is working with their political rivals ahead of the 2027 elections. Nairobi CBD MCA Mwaniki Kwenya accused Sakaja of cutting deals with aspirants to weaken incumbents rather than collaborating with MCAs on service delivery.

“That is betrayal. Instead of empowering elected leaders to serve Nairobians, he is undermining us while residents live in a dirty city with no water and failing services,” Kwenya said.

Roysambu MCA Sospeter Mumbi echoed the frustrations:

“We are tired of kneeling before the governor and his officers. Nairobians are suffering, yet he is busy with politics. It is time for him to go.”

Public Discontent and Online Trolls

Beyond the Assembly walls, Sakaja has also come under relentless criticism online, with Nairobi residents accusing him of incompetence and presiding over a “dirty city.” Complaints about uncollected garbage, irregular water supply, traffic chaos, and poor enforcement of county regulations have become rallying points for critics who argue the governor has failed to live up to his promise of transforming the capital.

Social media trolls frequently lampoon him as “missing in action,” further fueling the perception that he is disconnected from Nairobi’s daily struggles.

Why Impeachment Looks Plausible

Unlike past efforts, the current impeachment drive appears well-coordinated and has strong numbers behind it. With nearly 80 per cent of MCAs aligned and residents openly complaining about worsening services, analysts say the political tide may finally be turning against Sakaja.

Should the motion proceed, it will not only be the second formal attempt to remove him but also the most serious challenge yet to his leadership — one that could force the governor to either mend fences with MCAs or risk becoming the latest Nairobi leader forced out before completing his term.

Governor Sakaja has not responded to the latest allegations.