Raila meets Nairobi leaders to discuss county governance and leadership

ODM leader Raila Odinga with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja 

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday met Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and senior leaders from the Nairobi County Assembly in a consultative meeting that focused on governance and leadership within the capital.

The meeting, held in Nairobi, brought together Governor Sakaja, his deputy Njoroge Muchiri, Assembly Speaker Ken Ng’ondi, Majority Whip Moses Ogeto, and Budget and Appropriations Committee chair Wilfred Odalo.

Also present were former Cabinet minister Fred Gumo and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok was reported to be away in Busia.

According to those familiar with the discussions, the talks centred on the need for better collaboration between the county executive and the assembly to ensure smooth service delivery to Nairobi residents.

Speaker Ng’ondi emphasised that while political tension had been noted in the assembly, no formal impeachment motion against the governor had been filed.

“We told Mzee (Raila) that the governor has no reason to panic as there was no motion yet to impeach him. However, we also acknowledged that there are issues between the county executive and assembly, which must be addressed,” said one participant, who requested anonymity.

Raila and Junet reportedly urged Sakaja to strengthen his engagement with MCAs, noting that constructive dialogue was key to easing tensions and addressing concerns raised in recent forums.

Junet shared his own experience as a former mayor, underscoring the importance of directly involving members in decision-making.

South C MCA Abbas Khalif (ODM) also weighed in, suggesting that internal rifts within the assembly leadership may be fueling unnecessary political diversions.

“We are aware the assembly leadership met Mzee (Raila) to report that MCAs and the executive have a strained relationship, but they did not also report that members have issues with them as well,” Abbas said.

Last week, ODM’s Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai similarly dismissed speculation of an impeachment bid, insisting that such a move would require Raila’s approval to gain traction.

Governor Sakaja has not publicly commented on the meeting.