Category Archives: News

Sakaja on the Edge: Nairobi MCAs Push for Governor’s Ouster Over Service Delivery Failures

Current Impeachment Drama

• Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is currently facing a serious impeachment threat. Over 87 MCAs have signed in support of a motion to remove him from office—surpassing the required threshold of 82 signatures in the 123-member assembly.

• The grounds for this action relate to over 20 substantive charges, including failure in service delivery, withholding of development funds, and alleged mismanagement of public health roles, such as delegating vaccinations and food safety to private entities.
• Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, speaking for his colleagues, stated that the motion is a whole-house initiative, with the signatures collected “in the fifth minute”—demonstrating strong internal assembly backing.

• Politics & Power Dynamics

  • The ODM party leader Raila Odinga is actively trying to intervene. He has summoned ODM-aligned MCAs for consultations and encouraged Governor Sakaja to engage with the assembly’s grievances.

  • However, some MCAs remain skeptical that Raila’s influence can avert the process. As Kileleshwa’s Robert Alai cautioned, “this is not a matter that can be resolved through political protection anymore.
  • On the other hand, MP James Gakuya of Embakasi North argues that Senate support—possibly shaped by political alliances—could be Sakaja’s saving grace. Historically, the Senate has been reluctant to remove governors even after impeachment motions pass at the county level.

  • What Happens Next Legally

    • The process now moves from the County Assembly to the Senate. If the motion is tabled and passed by a two-thirds majority in the assembly, it’s forwarded to the Senate.

    • The Senate acts as the final decision-maker in the validation or rejection of the impeachment.

    • Background & Profile in Brief

      To provide broader context:

      • Johnson Arthur Sakaja, born on 2nd February 1985 in Nairobi, made history as the youngest ever person elected Governor of Nairobi City County in August 2022, under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) banner.

      • Prior roles include being a nominated MP (2013–2017) and Senator for Nairobi (2017–2022).
      • Controversies have trailed his academic credentials: a Team University (Uganda) degree he presented was revoked by Kenya’s Commission for University Education, reigniting concerns about his qualifications.
      • He’s also been linked to the KEMSA scandal over PPE procurement, where allegations surfaced about improper influence—though no formal charges are currently active.
      • Despite these challenges, internationally he’s recognized as one of the top 100 future young leaders in government by Apolitica, and he represents African cities in the C40 Cities climate leadership network.

Esther Passaris Lectures Contractors at Bomet Housing Project, Says It Looks Like “Jua Kali” Work

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has raised concerns over the quality of work at the Bomet Affordable Housing Project, questioning the standards applied by contractors tasked with delivering one of the government’s flagship projects.

During her recent visit to the site, Passaris did not hold back in her assessment, describing the workmanship as substandard and “looking like it was done by Jua Kali.” Her remarks highlight growing scrutiny on the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which the government has been championing as a solution to Kenya’s urban housing crisis.

Passaris emphasized that taxpayers deserve value for money, especially in projects that are being funded through the controversial housing levy. According to her, Kenyans are already making financial sacrifices, and the least they should expect is durable, well-finished housing units built to international standards.

“If this is what we are calling affordable housing, then we have a serious problem. Our people are contributing money, and what I’m seeing here looks like shortcuts have been taken. We cannot accept Jua Kali finishes on multi-billion projects,” she reportedly said.

The legislator further challenged the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to intensify oversight on contractors and ensure accountability in project delivery. She noted that poor workmanship not only undermines public confidence but could also compromise the safety and lifespan of the buildings.

Her sentiments come at a time when the Affordable Housing Program has faced mixed reactions from the public—while many Kenyans welcome the idea of home ownership, others remain skeptical about the levy deductions, transparency in allocation, and the actual quality of units being constructed.

Passaris’ blunt remarks in Bomet are likely to spark debate on whether some contractors are cutting corners to maximize profits. With the housing project meant to be a model of the government’s vision for affordable living, stakeholders are now calling for stronger monitoring frameworks to ensure Kenyans get value for their hard-earned money.

As the government pushes forward with its ambitious plan to deliver over 200,000 units annually, one thing remains clear: leaders like Passaris will not hesitate to call out shoddy work that risks derailing the promise of affordable, decent housing for all.

Wale wote hawana uwezo wa kulipia SHA, tumewaorothesha, sasa serikali Itawalipia ~ President Ruto

Rais William Ruto ametangaza kuwa serikali italipia Bima ya Afya ya Jamii (SHA) kwa Wakenya wote ambao hawana uwezo wa kujigharamia. Amesema tayari wameshaorodheshwa na hakuna yeyote atakayeachwa nyuma katika mpango wa kuhakikisha huduma za afya bora kwa wote.

Former Equatorial Guinea Finance Chief Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison Amid Viral Scandal

A major corruption scandal has rocked Equatorial Guinea after a provincial court sentenced Baltasar Ebang Engonga, better known by his nickname “Bello”, to eight years in prison for embezzlement. Engonga, once the head of the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency, was found guilty of diverting funds meant for official travel and using them for personal expenses.

The ruling, handed down by the Bioko Provincial Tribunal, also slapped him with a $220,000 fine (about KSh 28.5 million). According to Supreme Court press director Hilario Mitogo, the case exposed systemic misuse of public funds at the top levels of government. Engonga was tried alongside five other senior officials, all accused of misappropriating hundreds of thousands of dollars in the oil-rich Central African nation.

But the story gained an even bigger spotlight internationally due to a sensational scandal that unfolded during Engonga’s pre-trial detention. In November last year, explicit videos allegedly featuring Engonga and the wives of high-ranking officials leaked online, sparking outrage and ridicule across the region. The scandal, dubbed the “Balthazariem affair” on social media, gave rise to countless memes, parodies, and even a spoof “drug” branded Balthazariem.

Observers say the case reflects deep public frustration over corruption in Equatorial Guinea, where massive oil wealth contrasts sharply with widespread poverty. While the government has promised reforms, critics remain skeptical, pointing to the luxurious lifestyles of top officials compared to struggling citizens.

For Engonga, once seen as a powerful insider with access to sensitive financial investigations, the conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace. His name, now immortalized in internet satire, serves as a cautionary tale of how corruption scandals in the digital age rarely remain confined to the courtroom—they go viral.