Gakuya explains how Raila’s support can deter push to impeach Sakaja

Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has dismissed the narrative that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja could be easily removed from office, citing the governor’s strong political backing from ODM party leader Raila Odinga as a key factor.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, during an interview on a local TV station, Gakuya explained that while county assemblies can initiate impeachment processes, the Senate acts as the final authority, akin to a judiciary in the process.

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“The assemblies commence the impeachment process, but they do not blow the final whistle. That power rests with the Senate, which most times allows governors a second chance,” he said.

Gakuya pointed to historical cases, noting that some governors had survived multiple impeachment attempts at the county level before the Senate considered the matter.

“We have seen governors like Kawira who were impeached three times; the Senate only intervened in the last attempt. This shows that achieving the threshold for removal is complicated,” he said.

Political influence and numbers

The MP added that political ambitions and external influences often shape Senate decisions. “A significant number of senators may have their eyes on gubernatorial positions, and this can lead to lobbying within the Senate to protect certain governors,” Gakuya said.

He also highlighted the role of well-prepared defenses, suggesting that governors who secure adequate support or resources are more likely to survive impeachment threats.

Gakuya noted that Governor Sakaja’s close relationship with Raila Odinga has consistently ensured political support at key stages.“ought to have gone in the last year, but because of his good relationship with Raila Odinga, he has always had support on his side. That’s why the push for his impeachment hasn’t reached the required threshold. Sakaja may not survive at the county level, but he will survive at the Senate level,” he said

“Today, the Nairobi County Assembly has signed beyond the two-thirds threshold required to push for Sakaja’s termination. Most likely, he will not survive at the county level, but he will survive at the Senate level due to outside influences,” he said.

The MP concluded by cautioning that executive influence continues to shape both county assembly and the Senate decisions. “Decisions made are often after external pressures, safeguarding the interests of the governor,” he said.

This comes as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faces mounting political pressure, after Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), led by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, confirmed they have finalised a motion to impeach him, backed by more than 100 MCAs.

According to Alai, the motion contains over 20 substantive charges against Governor Sakaja, ranging from mismanagement of county services to the privatisation of core public health functions. The MCAs claim to have already gathered the minimum threshold of signatures needed to table the impeachment motion and more.