Ruto Steps in to Save Sakaja

A last minute intervention by President William Ruto yesterday forestalled the ouster of leaders allied to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the county assembly.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala was forced to eat humble pie and reinstate Sakaja’s perceived allies minutes after he had written a letter giving the green-light to a team linked to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Malala’s move came after the team affiliated to Gachagua addressed the media in the morning rubber stamping that they are the legitimate officials of the UDA party at the county assembly.

In an earlier letter, Malala had authorised changes in the Minority Whip position where South B MCA Waithera Chege had been appointed to take over from Waithaka MCA Anthony Kiragu, a close ally of the governor.

Chief Minority Whip’s position had been given to Nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni, replacing Umoja 1 MCA Mark Mugambi.

Poor leadership

Previously, Waithera served as the deputy Minority Leader while Muthoni served as Deputy Minority Whip.

“Pursuant to and in accordance with provisions of Standing Order No 21 21 of Nairobi County Assembly, the party appoints the following leaders; Hon. Waithera Chege (Minority Leader), Deonysias Mwangi (Deputy Minority Leader), Joyce Muthoni (Minority Whip), Samora Mwaura (Deputy Minority Whip,” Malalah told Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi.

Mwangi and Mwaura serve as Githurai and Clay City Ward MCAs respectively.

Waithera, who addressed the media earlier accused Kiragu and the team of failing to offer direction and leadership to party members on critical legislative matters.Forged signatures

However, matters took a different turn after Malala and the team he had ousted appeared at the party headquarters on Ngong road and they disowned the letter.

Malala said the status quo will remain as it is until Thursday when all Nairobi UDA MCAs will converge at the party headquarters and elect their new leaders.