Ruth Odinga Criticizes Raila, Ruto Over Halting Sakaja Impeachment Bid

Kisumu, Kenya — 2025-09-05 19:00 EAT. Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has faulted both President William Ruto and her brother, Raila Odinga, for intervening in Nairobi County’s impeachment process against Governor Johnson Sakaja, calling it a setback for devolution and accountability.

The Latest

Ruth Odinga said the intervention undermined MCAs’ oversight role after they had collected signatures exceeding the impeachment threshold. The motion was suspended following high-level talks between MCAs, Raila, and Ruto. Status: confirmed.

Context in Brief

• Sept 2–3: Raila met ODM MCAs; Ruto met UDA MCAs separately.

• Both urged MCAs to grant Sakaja one-month reprieve for reforms.

• MCAs agreed, halting impeachment despite complaints about delayed bursaries, ward funds, and service delivery gaps.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitutional Mandate: County Assemblies empowered under Article 185 to oversee governors.

• Impeachment Process: Motion → County Assembly debate → Senate trial if passed.

• Current Status: Motion paused; Sakaja given 30 days to address grievances.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Ruth Odinga: “MCAs let down Nairobians by bowing to political pressure,” Kisumu presser, 2025-09-05.

• MCAs: Mixed reactions; some welcome reprieve, others insist on accountability.

• Governor Sakaja: Apologized, pledged service improvements within one month.

Evidence & Data

• Signatures: >70 MCAs signed; threshold surpassed before talks.

• Dates: Meetings held Sept 2–3; suspension announced Sept 4.

• Sources: Nairobi County Assembly Hansard, media reports.

Risks and Implications

• Governance: Intervention risks setting precedent for national interference.

• Politics: Family-level disagreement within Odinga ranks highlights growing debate on devolution.

• Public Trust: Nairobi residents awaiting visible changes before deadline.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether MCAs will revive impeachment if promises unmet.

• Extent of service delivery reforms within 30 days.

• Long-term impact on Nairobi County–State relations.

Timeline

• 2025-09-02: Raila meets ODM MCAs.

• 2025-09-03: Ruto meets UDA MCAs.

• 2025-09-04: Impeachment bid suspended.

• 2025-09-05: Ruth Odinga criticizes intervention.

What to Watch

• Sakaja’s 30-day performance deadline.

• MCAs’ response after grace period ends.

• Possible Senate involvement if motion revived.