City UDA leaders condemn Sakaja remarks, tell him to respect Gachagua

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Members of Parliament in Nairobi have told Governor Johnson Sakaja to respect Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The lawmakers argue that the recent remarks by Governor Sakaja believed to have been targetting the Deputy President were akin to disrespecting the Presidency.

The MPs have strongly stated that it was unfortunate that Sakaja decided to take on the second in command, who is also deputy party leader.

Embakasi Central Member of Parliament Benjamin Gathiru dismissed Sakaja, stating that he was not part of the UDA party until the last minutes before the 2022 elections.

“Sakaja is young politically, in fact, I was part of the group that supported his bid for the gubernatorial seat, we convinced Margaret Wanjiru to step down for him and the DP played a big role then,” Gathiru stated.

“Taking on the DP and abusing him is the biggest mistake he has made, maybe he suspects that he could be a one-term governor,” Gathiru added.

The MP said prior to the elections, there were some agreements including the appointment of some people to key positions in the county government but after clinching the seat governor Sakaja betrayed them.

“After winning the seat he appointed the Azimio people and told us that there is nothing we can do. From there on he has been meddling with matatu operators and traders in the city centre,” Gathiru stated.

Roysambu Member of Parliament Augustine Kamanda noted that it was unfair for the governor to attack the DP yet he had not talked about him (Sakaja) anywhere.

“It was wrong for the governor to take on the DP, that one amounts to abuse to the second in command, we are not happy at all,” Kamanda stated.

Dandora 1 MCA Allan Gathuku noted that both the Deputy President and the governor should be respected, stating that it is not good when leaders fight.

“We need respect, we need peace in our UDA party, such remarks coming from respected leaders might divide members of the public, let us focus on development for now,” Gathuku stated.