Reasons Behind Sakaja’s Absence at Gachagua’s Senate Trial

Sakaja was anticipated to be a principal witness in the Senate trial. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi named him as one of the witnesses for the National Assembly. Yet, he was not in parliament when the session commenced on Wednesday, October 16.

Sakaja was in Mexico City for the Bloomberg CityLab 2024 Summit, where he was one of the keynote speakers. An event schedule indicated that the Nairobi Governor participated in discussions on urban governance. He emphasized the importance of youth in influencing city policies.

"Later today, Bloomberg CityLab reporter Fola Akinnibi will join Governor H. E. Sakaja Arthur Johnson of Nairobi, Kenya. He will discuss what cities can learn from prioritizing young people in decision-making. This is according to the event program.

His absence from the senate hearing surprised many. This included Gachagua’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru. He took to the X social media platform to share his expectation of cross-examining Sakaja. People expected the Nairobi governor to clarify the allegations against the deputy president. These allegations underpin an impeachment motion presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

Sakaja had filed an affidavit. He alleged that Gachagua unlawfully interfered with the operations of Nairobi County. This included the relocation of traders from Wakulima Market to Kangundo Road Market. According to the affidavit, the deputy president allegedly “violated the principle of separation of powers.” He did this by conducting rallies that incited the public against lawful county decisions.

Sakaja accused Gachagua of using ethnic sentiments. These sentiments hinder efforts to reorganize traffic within Nairobi. Specifically, they obstruct relocating matatu terminals. He contended that these actions undermined the county government’s mandate and raised concerns about the integrity of devolution in Kenya.

Sakaja shared insights about Nairobi’s subsidized meals program in a snippet posted by Bloomberg later in the day. This topic was significantly detached from the intense discussions occurring at the Senate. His absence heightened speculation about whether he had intentionally withdrawn from the trial to circumvent escalating political tensions.

Wamuzinews. co. ke has learned that Sakaja’s participation in the summit had been arranged in advance. This suggests that his withdrawal as a witness was not a last-minute decision. Nonetheless, the timing of the trip raised questions about whether there were other motives for his decision not to testify.

Sakaja’s affidavit also criticized Gachagua’s alleged interference in county operations, particularly about liquor control regulations. He characterized the deputy president’s actions as “reckless” and “demeaning.” He noted that they constituted impeachable offenses by undermining the authority of county governments.