Miguna can help me fight cartels in city, says Sonko

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has defended his decision to nominate lawyer Miguna Miguna as deputy governor to replace Mr Polycarp Igathe who resigned in January.

Mr Sonko remained adamant that he has not broken any law with the nomination, saying he followed the due process as he is empowered by the Constitution to nominate a deputy of his choice.

He said there is no law compelling him to consult anyone before settling on a nominee and it is up to county assembly members to reject or approve his nominee.

In addition, he also pointed out that a recent Supreme Court advisory also gave him a go-ahead to appoint a deputy.

“There is nothing wrong with that. The law does not say that I must only nominate someone from Jubilee Party. It is up to the MCAs.

"They might deny him a chance to be the deputy governor and if they do, I will nominate another person,” Mr Sonko said on Friday at his Athi River home.

FORGIVENESS
He said appointing the lawyer will help him fight cartels in Nairobi as he has fashioned himself as “anti-cartel”, appealing to President Uhuru Kenyatta to forgive Dr Miguna “in the spirit of the handshake”.

“He (Miguna) insulted me during the campaigns, but everything has changed. This is not the time to play politics but to dismantle cartels in Nairobi,” he said.

The City Hall boss laughed off claims that there is an impeachment cloud hanging over him, saying such mandate only lies with the county assembly, which he has “a good working relationship with” and he does not fear being impeached.

This comes after Jubilee Party Vice Chairman David Murathe on Thursday claimed that there were plans to impeach the governor due to his administration’s poor performance.

“Those behind this are the same people who fought me during my campaigns. I will not kneel before them,” Mr Sonko said.

IMPEACH
At the same time, Nairobi MCAs supported Mr Sonko, saying they have no plans of impeaching him.

They told a section of national government officials to stop meddling in the county’s affairs.

The MCAs, drawn from both ODM and Jubilee parties, defended Mr Sonko’s leadership, saying he needs time to serve Nairobi residents.

Majority Leader Abdi Guyo said the assembly is capable of overseeing the executive wing and therefore there is no need for interference.

“Our stand is clear and nobody should speak for us. The governor should be given time to work.

"You cannot expect a city which has been run down for the past 30 years to be repaired in just eight months,” Mr Guyo said during a press conference at City Hall.

CITIZENSHIP
He explained that article 78(2) of the Constitution does not allow anyone with dual citizenship to be a State officer.

“As a House, we are not going to support the nomination of Miguna Miguna, but that does not mean in any way that we are impeaching or planning to do so,” he said.

Majority Whip Chege Mwaura said they have no intention of impeaching Mr Sonko.

Baba Dogo MCA Geoffrey Majiwa said impeachment can only be transacted by the assembly. “He needs time to understand City Hall operations before he can put down his foot properly,” he said.