In an impassioned speech, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has called for the next Nairobi Governor to come from the Mt Kenya region.
Addressing attendees during the ordination of Benson Gathungu, also known as Muthee Kiengei, as bishop at JCM Church in Ruiru, Waititu, popularly known as Baba Yao, voiced the grievances of the Kikuyu community in Nairobi.
Waititu emphatically declared that the Kikuyus in Nairobi have endured mistreatment for too long. Waititu was speaking at the gathering that had brought together Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Senator Paul Thangwa, MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, opposition leaders Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa.
Highlighting past elections, he noted that the Kikuyu community supported Mike Sonko and the current Governor Johnson Sakaja based on the directions from the Jubilee Party and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Waititu insists it is time for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to back a candidate from the Mt Kenya region.
“In 2027, we want the Nairobi governor to be from Mt Kenya. It does not matter whether he is Kikuyu or not, but he must be from Mt Kenya,” Waititu stated.
He expressed frustration with the current leadership under President William Ruto and Governor Sakaja, asserting that the Kikuyu community in Nairobi has suffered under their governance. According to Waititu, a Kikuyu governor would be the solution to these issues.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on May 27, revealed that 40,000 households, comprising at least 181,000 people, have voluntarily moved from riparian spaces along the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong Rivers. This statement has done little to quell the anger among the Mt Kenya business community, who feel targeted by these measures.
Waititu’s sentiments echoed those of the business community from the Mt Kenya region.
Absalom Odhiambo, the Korogocho Member of the County Assembly (MCA), has already appealed to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding the ongoing demolitions in riparian areas.
The business owners, feeling betrayed, criticised Gachagua for not protecting their interests. They accused him of focusing on other agendas, such as the 'One Man, One Shilling, One Vote' campaign, while neglecting promises made during the 2022 elections.
Odhiambo voiced the frustrations of the business owners, pointing out the disparity in the treatment of different areas. “Why are you demolishing houses in Korogocho but not in areas where the river begins? You are only demolishing houses for hustlers and mama mbogas,” he stated. The business community has called on the Deputy President and other leaders to intervene and safeguard their interests.
Waititu further accused the government of enacting punitive measures against the Kikuyu community. He demanded that the leadership reconsider their actions and take steps to protect the interests of the Kikuyu people in Nairobi.
The Nairobi politics have already been gathering momentum, pitting Gachagua and Governor Sakaja. Early this month,Gachagua has also issued a stern warning to Sakaja, urging him to prioritise the interests of the Mt Kenya business community if he hopes to secure their votes in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Gachagua advised Sakaja to “remain careful with the Nairobi Business Community (NBC) and they will be careful with you,” suggesting that the governor's future political success depends on his relationship with the Kikuyu business owners.
He reminded Sakaja of the overwhelming support he received from the region and advised him to consult with the community before making any significant changes in Nairobi.
“As I told you, the people of this region voted for you to a man. These are good people. Remain close to them and mind their interests and their businesses. If there are any changes in Nairobi before you implement them, consult and agree with them,” Gachagua advised.
