Sakaja’s 60-Day Reprieve Faces Doubts Amid Nairobi MCAs’ Demands

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-04 20:40 EAT. MCAs have cast doubt on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s ability to meet city reforms demanded within a 60-day grace period that paused his impeachment bid.

The Latest

Ngara Ward MCA Chege Mwaura said Thursday that the two-month window secured through mediation by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga may be too short for visible results. He warned lawmakers expect tangible progress within 30 days on garbage collection, healthcare strikes, and public safety, or they may revive the ouster motion by November 1.

Context in Brief

On September 1, Nairobi MCAs suspended an impeachment motion after 90 members signed on—double the threshold required under County Governments Act, Section 33. Ruto and Odinga urged compromise to avoid a leadership crisis that would trigger a by-election and stall county services.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution/Acts: Article 181 of the Constitution and County Governments Act outline impeachment grounds and procedures for governors.

• Mandates: County Assembly initiates motions; Senate hears and decides final impeachment verdicts.

• Required steps: 30-day progress review; 60-day final review before possible motion revival.

Voices and Stakeholders

• MCAs: “The garbage problem can’t be sorted in sixty days. What are the practical steps?” said Chege Mwaura, MCA, Nairobi, 2025-09-04.

• National Leaders: “We avoided a crisis, but results must follow,” said a State House source, Nairobi, 2025-09-04.

• Opposition: “If governance fails, options like NMS revival may return,” said Azimio MCAs, Nairobi, 2025-09-04.

Evidence & Data

• Numbers: 90+ MCAs backed ouster motion; 60-day reprieve ends November 1, 2025.

• Documents: County Assembly Hansard; State House mediation notes.

• Verification: MCA interviews; County Assembly Speaker records.

Risks and Implications

• Governance: City service delivery may remain stalled if political standoff resumes.

• Economy: Delays in waste management and infrastructure hurt urban businesses.

• Politics: Possible realignment if MCAs push for national intervention.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether Sakaja can secure emergency funding for priority services.

• If Ruto or Odinga will mediate again if motion returns.

• Legal stance on reviving a defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services-style authority.

Timeline

• 2025-09-01: Impeachment motion suspended after mediation.

• 2025-09-04: MCAs warn of limited time for reforms.

• 2025-11-01: 60-day deadline for review and possible motion revival.

What to Watch

• 30-day interim report on city services due in October.

• County budget reallocations for garbage, healthcare, and drainage.

• MCAs’ final verdict before November deadline.