Governor Sakaja in trouble with UDA over County appointments

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is in trouble with the leadership of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party which steered him to power.

Sakaja faced the party's disciplinary committee on Friday evening, over allegations that he appointed members of the opposition to county jobs.

He is also accused of leaving out UDA party members in his appointments.

In a letter dated December 19, Sakaja was asked to appear before the UDA disciplinary committee on December 23 morning.

The letter was signed by UDA party disciplinary committee chairman, Charles Njenga.

"The disciplinary committee of the UDA part is in receipt of various complaints against your infidelity to the party by appointing members of the opposition ODM party at the expense of UDA, a party that sponsored your candidature," Njenga's letter reads.

"You are hereby summoned before the UDA party disciplinary committee on Friday, December 23 at 9:30 am,"

At the same time, the Nairobi County Assembly has rejected five out of 33 names forwarded for vetting as Chief Officers by the governor.

The rejected nominees are Winnie Gathangu, Bernard Buluma, Justus Kadenge, Elizabeth Njeri, and Collins Omondi.

Sakaja's list of nominees for top county jobs were: Stephen Mwangi (Built Environment and Urban Planning), Michael Gumo (Innovation and Digital Economy), Brian Mulama (Talent, Skills Development and Care), Patrick Mbogo (Mobility and Works) and Charles Kerich (Finance and Economic Affairs).

Others were Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya (Boroughs Administration and Personnel), Rosemary Kariuki (Business and Hustler Opportunities), Maureen Njeri (Green Nairobi - Environment, Water, Food and Agriculture), Anastacia Nyalita (Health, Wellness and Nutrition) and lastly Suzanne Silantoi (Inclusivity, Public Participation, and Customer Service).