TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

The clouds over City Hall are getting darker as Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja finds himself on the receiving end of mounting public outrage.

A section of Nairobi residents, led by Bonface Sila Munyao, is pushing for his removal, accusing him of gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution and national laws, abuse of office, and systematic infringement of Nairobians' rights.

Speaking exclusively to , Munyao claimed that Sakaja’s administration repeatedly ignored legal protections for tenants, particularly in the management of affordable housing projects.

“It is something that has been happening over time,” Munyao said. “We have had issues with affordable housing, and he is not ready to listen to the people. Recently, there were evictions. He claimed some residents had arrears of fifteen years and was enforcing rent that exceeds six years and two months,” he added.

Munyao further pointed out that a gazette notice had been issued to counter the eviction drive, but Sakaja’s administration allegedly ignored it.

He claimed the governor stuck to his position even during a public event presided over by President William Ruto, where Mukuru Affordable Houses were handed over to residents.

Things took a darker turn when Munyao accused the county government of using hired goons to terrorise residents in areas such as Woodley, California, Uhuru Estate, Kindiko Estate and Kariobangi South.

“During the evictions, they came with goons, escorted by county askaris. That was contrary to the Public Order Act. A governor is not allowed to use goons, and the videos were taken. The county housing director vowed not to come with those goons again,” he stated.

He also linked these alleged gangs to violent attacks on peaceful demonstrators who were demanding accountability following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

“People wanted to demonstrate peacefully, but Sakaja vowed to maintain order. Allegations from church leaders, newspapers and politicians point to the fact that he funded the violence on peaceful demonstrators. Some even acknowledged receiving funding. We can’t have a governor who pretends to be good while harming residents behind the scenes. He doesn’t deserve to be in office,” Munyao told .

Despite the gravity of the accusations, Munyao clarified that Sakaja’s general performance as governor was not the basis for the impeachment push.

The petition, he said, was centred on serious misconduct such as the alleged use of goons to silence dissent. He claimed that several residents had reached out to him in fear after experiencing intimidation.

The petitioners are now working with seasoned lawyers to finalise a watertight case.

“We have members of the Nairobi County Assembly who have volunteered to table the petition, and we will pick one who cannot be compromised. It’s now upon the MCAs to ensure Nairobi has a governor who abides by the Constitution and public order,” he said.

Munyao warned that if Nairobi is allowed to descend into chaos, the entire country could suffer the consequences. He urged Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to ‘sacrifice’ Sakaja for the stability of the capital and to win the support of the younger generation.

“We want order, just like he promised in his manifesto. Nairobi cannot slide into anarchy. I appeal to the president and Raila to sit down and sacrifice Sakaja, so that their broad-based government can remain popular among Gen Zs in Nairobi,” he said.

He added that the group would not spare MCAs who oppose the motion out of political fear. According to him, voters will mobilise to collect signatures to recall such leaders.

“If they go to court to stop their removal, they’ll spend all their money there and still not be assured of re-election. This is about defending the people of Nairobi,” he said.

Asked whether he feared any retaliation, especially after the mysterious death of Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve who had reportedly begun collecting signatures to impeach Sakaja, Munyao told TUKO.co.ke that he is unfazed.

“We heard about Munuve. He was looking for signatures to remove Sakaja and being threatened. Eventually, he passed on. I can’t link his death directly to Sakaja because there’s no evidence," he said.

"But fear for what? We are all human. When you threaten us, others like us will also stand up. I’m a chairman of chairmen. If something happens to me and you’re responsible, the universe has its way to hit back at you. There is karma,” he added.

In 2024, Sakaja downplayed reports of an alleged impeachment plot against him.

He urged leaders within his administration to ignore distractions and continue focusing on service delivery.

Sakaja credited his administration’s progress to a consistent focus on development and results. He said political noise and criticism had not derailed his team’s plans, and that their achievements spoke for themselves.

Source: TUKO.co.ke