Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja finds himself facing mounting pressure to address serious allegations of corruption within the county government.
The allegations involve millions of shillings paid to nine companies that reportedly provided no goods or services to the county.
Former County Executive Committee Member Janet Muthoni Ouko has taken a stand against the corruption and has vowed to lead Nairobi residents in a protest at City Hall if Finance CEC Charles Kerich does not step aside for investigations.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a probe into the suspicious payments, which are said to have taken place between 2017 and 2022.
Ms. Ouko, in a statement, highlighted the concerns of Nairobi residents who have not witnessed any tangible services rendered by the nine companies despite millions of taxpayers’ money being disbursed.
The governor, as the highest authority in the county, is being urged to make a public statement on the scandal and pledge full cooperation with investigators.
Along with the Finance CEC, Ms. Ouko has also called for the Chief Officer in charge of Finance, Ms. Abdi Asha, and the County Head of Treasury to step down pending investigations.
Ms. Ouko, the Executive Director of Tunza Mtoto Coalition, has further emphasized the role of the County Assembly of Nairobi as an oversight body to address the rampant corruption within the county.
She has raised concerns about mega-corruption taking place at City Hall, while many city residents struggle with the burden of a high cost of living.
The recent refusal by the Controller of Budget to sign a payment of Sh1.4 billion to law firms demanding Sh21 billion in legal fees offered to the county adds to the growing concerns about financial mismanagement.
Nairobi County currently has the highest pending bills in the country, totaling Sh100 billion.
âShould the governor not comply within seven days, the coalition will take action, including, and not limited, to mobilize Nairobians to mass action to eject the corrupt officials from office as well as mobilize county taxes resistance from the various sectors until confidence is restored back in the leadership of the county,â Ms Ouko said.
These allegations of corruption come at a time when the county faces numerous financial challenges and an enormous debt burden.
As a result, Governor Johnson Sakaja is under immense pressure to address the allegations and ensure that the county’s finances are managed transparently and accountably.
