Lobbying intensifies for Nairobi Deputy Governor as MCAs accuse Kagure of intimidation

By Nephat Kinyua

Lobbying for the Nairobi Deputy Governor’s seat has gone a notch higher with NASA leader Raila Odinga now among those lobbying for potential candidates to deputise Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Raila has already endorsed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s cousin, Annah Nyokabi to deputise Sonko. Speaking on Sunday Raila said the former Kiambu Women Representative is the best suited candidate to fill the position left vacant after Polycarp Igathe resigned after just six months in office.

However the race to replace Igathe has turned nasty after a section of Nairobi County Assembly MCAs accused one of the potential candidates, Agnes Kagure Kariuki of intimidating them.

The MCAs majority from the ruling Jubilee Party have accused Kagure of intimidating some of them not to approve anyone for the deputy governor’s post apart from her.

“This woman has accused some of us of eating her money and now she wants to be guaranteed that we’ll only approve her nomination and reject any one nominated for the post,” said the infuriated MCA who sought for anonymity.

According to one of the Jubilee MCAs Sonko has been upset with how the potential candidates have been lobbying for the seats and threatening those opposing their luck.

The MCA who sought for anonymity due to sensitivity of the mater said Sonko was overheard saying he’s fed up with the threats by some of the potential candidates.

“Mimi sitishwi na hao wakora. Mimi sio kama Alfred Keter nichezewe na watu. Sitaki kuskia mtu anatisha watu kuhusu that post. I will appoint someone of high integrity when the time comes” Sonko is alleged to have uttered the words while unwinding with city politicians.

Sonko has already shortlisted 22 potential candidates for the seat although lawyers have stated that the Supreme Court ruling that allowed Sonko to pick his deputy is not binding, adding that the governor can remain without a deputy until Parliament passes the required legislation on replacement of deputy governors.

Among the notable names appearing on the list of 22 includes President’s brother Muhoho Jomo Kenyatta, Royal Media TV presenter Anne Kiguta, former Kamukunii MP Simon Mbugua, former Transport PS Irungu Nyakera, former Sonko’s deputy Polycarp Igathe among others.

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