Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja made headlines after missing the Senate session on October 16, 2024, where Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings began.
Sakaja, who was expected to testify as one of the National Assembly witnesses, instead traveled to Mexico to speak at the Bloomberg CityLab 2024 event, sparking questions about his absence.
At the event, Sakaja praised the activism of Kenyan Gen Z, commending their efforts to demand transparency and participate in governance.
He emphasized that this marked a pivotal moment as African youth increasingly advocate for change, pushing governments to realign programs with their needs.
“They’ve made it clear they want a seat at the negotiating table, or they’ll create their own. This is a bold step forward for Africa,” he remarked.
Sakaja also highlighted the success of Nairobi’s Dishi na County School Feeding Program, noting its impact on increasing school enrollment and attendance.
The program has drawn international interest, with the World Food Program considering it as a model for broader implementation across Africa.
Sakaja shared his hope that similar initiatives could benefit other regions on the continent.
During his speech, Sakaja called for a rethinking of democratic institutions, which he argued are outdated for today’s rapidly evolving world.
“Governance systems established centuries ago can no longer keep up with the pace of modern information and technology,” he said.
Meanwhile, back in Kenya, the Senate began hearing the impeachment case against Gachagua, with other witnesses, including former KEMSA Acting CEO Dr. Andrew Mulwa and Cabinet Secretary Mercy Wanjau, taking the stand.
In his affidavit, Sakaja accused Gachagua of overstepping his role by interfering in the county’s plans to relocate Wakulima Market traders, a decision that he asserted lies solely with the county government, underscoring a breach of the separation of powers.