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Gloves off as Sakaja takes on Gachagua head-on

"No one has the right to say I was given this seat. I was elected,” Sakaja said.

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by Bosco Marita

News30 May 2024 - 04:14
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In Summary


  • President William Ruto’s party has been on the headlines as leaders attack each other in public gatherings.
  • Gachagua over the weekend claimed leaders close to the President were being used to undermine his leadership in the Mt Kenya region.
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja arrives for the UDA delegates conference at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi on May 29, 2024.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja yesterday took a swipe at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua even as the implosion in the ruling United Democratic Alliance escalates.

President William Ruto’s party has been on the headlines as leaders attack each other in public gatherings.

Gachagua over the weekend claimed leaders close to the President were being used to undermine his leadership in the Mt Kenya region.

 He demanded the MPs stick to their constituencies to promote development instead of criss-crossing the country politicking.

Those comments irked Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi who immediately responded telling the DP not to intimidate junior leaders.

 The exchanges ignited reactions from across the UDA party leadership with both secretary general Cleophas Malala and Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok condemning Sudi.

On Wednesday, Sakaja joined the fray in a thinly veiled attack on Gachagua, telling the DP not to complain that he was being undermined.

The Nairobi governor likened Gachagua’s situation to his own, after he was roundly criticised for his leadership style and reform proposals for the city. “I’ve gone through a lot and I’m not easily intimidated.

"No one has the right to say I was given this seat. I was elected,” Sakaja said.

The words were aimed at Gachagua who last year said Mt Kenya leaders have a stake in the running of the city county’s affairs, since their votes handed the seat to the governor.

 “You cannot bully people for two years then start crying after being mentioned for just one week. If you want respect, respect other leaders. If you don’t respect those leaders then respect the people who put them there,” Sakaja said.

 The governor claimed he had been bullied, going back to 2022 when his proposal to relocate matatus and hawkers from the CBD was widely opposed by Mt Kenya leaders, led by Gachagua. He termed them bullies.

“Bullies are the biggest cowards,” Sakaja said.

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