Why Azimio MCAs Just Killed the Move to Oust Governor Sakaja
The political atmosphere at City Hall took a sharp turn this week as the Azimio la Umoja coalition formally distanced itself from the latest bid to impeach Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. In a major show of solidarity, over 70 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) declared the impeachment push unnecessary noise, effectively collapsing the momentum of a motion that had listed twenty-two grounds for the Governor’s removal. This sudden shift in loyalty appears to be anchored in a historic 80 billion shilling cooperation agreement recently signed between Nairobi County and the National Government.
Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, who spearheaded the press briefing, emphasized that the assembly had recently and unanimously endorsed this deal. The agreement is set to unlock critical funding for city infrastructure, waste management, and the Governor’s signature school feeding program. Azimio-aligned MCAs argued that removing the Governor now would jeopardize this massive investment aimed at transforming the capital. By prioritizing city stability over political warfare, the coalition has created a shield around the Governor, making the required two-thirds majority for impeachment nearly impossible to achieve.
The shift also signals the enduring strength of the broad-based cooperation between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. Reports suggest that guidance from high-level party leadership played a crucial role in quelling the dissent. Pro-Sakaja MCAs characterized the impeachment attempt as political blackmail and extortion, urging their colleagues to focus on service delivery instead of leadership vacuums. As the dust settles at City Hall, Governor Sakaja appears to have secured a new lease on his political life by aligning his executive agenda with the broader developmental goals of both the county and the state.
While the impeachment motion previously gained traction based on grievances regarding financial mismanagement, pending bills, and governance lapses, those charges have been sidelined in favor of the new partnership. Behind the scenes, the desire for inclusive governance has reshaped the assembly’s dynamics, ensuring that the current administration remains intact to oversee the implementation of the 2026 development agenda.