We are going totake interest inthe welfare andthe developmentsof this city and its leadership. Nairobi is too important to be left like that. The President and I have agreedthat we willtake a keen interest in what is happening in Nairobi. We will restore the glory of the city in the sun.We want tomake surethat residents of Nairobi get the servicesthatthey need.We are going to do that not only because we have our voters here, but also, we are stakeholders,he added.
While referring to the recent floods in Nairobi, the deputy president called upon elected leaders in the city to work with the national government in helping those who have been affected by the floods.
Earlier, during the fundraising event hosted byLang'ataMP Felix OdiwourakaJalang'o, a group of MPs led by Embakasi Central MP Mejjadonk Benjamin Gathiru challenged Mr Sakaja over his handling of affairs in the devolved unit.
We want an intervention in Nairobi. When the county government makes decisions, the national government must be involved.Everyone must be involved because our interest is tomake surethat residents get servicesthatthey deserve,Mr Gathiru said.
Thiscomes amidst growing political tension during the ongoing UDA grassroots elections. Mr Sakaja is vying against Embakasi North MP James Gakuyawhois said to be enjoying the backing of Mr Gachagua.
Mr Sakaja has, however, maintained that he does not have anypolitical fights with Mr Gachagua.On Fridayduringan interview on, Mr Sakaja said he respects the deputy president.
'Ihave never talked ill about him. I do not want to become the deputy president. He also does not want to become the Nairobi governor. I do not have any differences with him. He is a respected leader who has been in politics for a while. Even though he found us in politics, he has been able to rise through the ranks to become the deputy presidentandhe needs tobe respectedfor that.'Mr Sakaja said.
Kenya Kwanza MCAsThe war between the two leaders has also spread to the county assembly, where two factions have emerged within the Kenya Kwanza MCAs. One faction is allied to Mr Sakajawhilethe other is allied to Mr Gachagua.
The Gachagua faction tried unsuccessfullylast weekto oust leaders allied to Mr Sakaja from leadership positions in the county assembly.Thiscame after the UDA party announced changes to its leadership structure , replacing leaders for minority positions. County Assembly Speaker KennedyNg'ondideclined to disclose the changes announced by the party.
