Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed behind-the-scenes intrigues that sealed the appointment of officials to the County Executive Committee (CEC).
During an interview on Inooro TV on Tuesday, January 10, Sakaja claimed that he met President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga before unveiling his cabinet.
Sakaja said the president gave him a node to negotiate how to share the CEC slots in Nairobi.
“During the meeting, Raila and his team requested five officials but we agreed on three. Hence, out of the ten, we had to distribute across to ensure one region is not favored.
“In addition, pertaining to chief officers, I gave them more members. Were it not for the intervention, they would have acquired only two seats; Public Accounts Committee and Public Investments Committee. They were, however, able to get seven committee chairmen and four vice-chairpersons,” he said.
Sakaja, who has had a tiff with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the running and management of Nairobi County, dispelled rumors of wrangles with the second in command.
“I don’t have any problem with the DP. I respect him as my elder. He is in a higher position in terms of our party. I can’t comment much about my boss,” Sakaja added.
Immediately after Sakaja unveiled his cabinet, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party took to Twitter to thank Sakaja for appointing his former Personal Assistant to the Cabinet.
“Today I am like a proud father. After serving me diligently for many years, Ibrahim Auma was recently tapped to join Sakaja Johnson’s cabinet to head its Boroughs system,
“To Ibbie, I give you my blessing. Deliver to Nairobi with the same heart of service we know you so well for,” Raila said in a Tweet.
