Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has reportedly retracted his participation as a witness in the impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the Senate.
This decision comes after Sakaja was listed as a key witness by the National Assembly, as indicated by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
In his initial affidavit, Sakaja had accused Gachagua of opposing the relocation of vendors from Nairobi’s Wakulima Market to the Kangundo Road Market, asserting that this decision fell under the jurisdiction of the county government rather than the Deputy President’s office.
He claimed that Gachagua’s actions represented a violation of the principle of separation of powers.
Sakaja alleged that on or about September 20, Gachagua “recklessly disregarded the esteemed role of the Deputy President” by holding a rally that incited the public against lawful directives concerning market management.
He argued that Gachagua’s previous use of ethnic tensions to disrupt county traffic management, particularly regarding the relocation of matatu terminals, was also problematic.
The affidavit further stated that Gachagua’s interference extended to issues of alcohol regulation and control at the county level.
“His incitement and derogatory remarks are impeachable offenses that threaten devolution and the integrity of local government,” Sakaja wrote.
Alongside Sakaja, other prominent witnesses, including Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau and former KEMSA CEO Andrew Mulwa, were expected to provide testimony to substantiate the impeachment motion initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
Mulwa’s affidavit alleges that Gachagua improperly influenced a sh 3.7 billion malaria nets tender, claiming that the Deputy President directed him to deliver the original bid bond to his agent.
“As a junior official, I felt powerless against the Deputy President,” Mulwa stated, accusing Gachagua of intimidation, contrary to the Leadership and Integrity Act.
Wanjau, on the other hand, accused Gachagua of obstructing a Cabinet-approved plan to evacuate residents living within 30 meters of the Nairobi River.
She highlighted that the Cabinet had adopted a policy on Nairobi Rivers Regeneration and Flood Mitigation, which Gachagua reportedly opposed, undermining collective Cabinet responsibility.
The developments in this impeachment case have stirred significant political discourse, reflecting ongoing tensions within the government and the complexities of managing local governance issues.
