Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faces a mounting impeachment threat after a cross-party coalition of ward representatives announced they had secured more than 70 signatures—just shy of the constitutional threshold needed to begin formal proceedings.

The Push for Impeachment

The campaign emerged from a tense Kamkunji meeting on 26 August, where more than 90 members of the county assembly (MCAs) expressed frustration with Sakaja’s administration. Both United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MCAs are backing the move, signalling rare bipartisan unity in Kenya’s most politically charged county.

Nominated MCA Chege Waithera accused the governor of stalling on bursaries and the Ward Development Fund, projects she said are essential to service delivery. “We believed in him but he has failed to deliver on his promises,” she said. Fellow MCA Robert Alai confirmed that around 70 signatures had already been collected, adding that their team was confident of surpassing the 82 signatures required to file a motion.

Legal Pathway

Under the Constitution, once the threshold is met:

• An impeachment motion is filed with the county assembly clerk.

• If the motion passes in the assembly, it proceeds to the Senate, which examines the evidence.

• The Senate then votes on whether to remove the governor.

If successful, Sakaja would become the second Nairobi governor to face impeachment in three electoral cycles, a sign of persistent turbulence in city politics.

Service Delivery at the Core

Supporters of the ouster cite:

• Delayed bursaries for needy students

• Stalled Ward Development Fund projects

• Unmet campaign pledges

They argue that residents are losing patience as even basic services remain disrupted.

Political Implications

Sakaja’s allies have dismissed the impeachment bid as political theatre, insisting his administration remains focused on fulfilling its promises. But analysts warn the standoff could reshape city politics ahead of 2027, particularly if the Senate validates the ouster.

For now, MCAs are working to gather the remaining signatures, draft a formal motion, and mobilise public opinion. The unfolding power struggle underscores Nairobi’s volatile governance landscape, where service delivery shortfalls often fuel political realignments.