Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was caught in an uncomfortable situation on Sunday, November 17, after his speech was cut short by a woman in distress.
Sakaja was attending a church service alongside President William Ruto and other leaders at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi.
During his final remarks, as he was talking about the link between the capital city of Nairobi and the national government, Sakaja had his speech cut short by a wailing woman in the distance.
Taken by surprise by the woman, the governor attempted to control the situation by calling forth the woman in question, while promising to address her concerns.
The whole incident played out in the presence of President Ruto, who was yet to make his speech at Soweto church.
"It is okay. We will address her concerns. When guests come, residents are relieved. The woman will also get healed. Mummy relax I will take your written plea and help her. Your Excellency, a lot is going on in Kenya," Sakaja was heard saying as he tried to contain the situation.
This was not the first time the governor has openly had to address a deal with a distressed Nairobi resident. In August 2024, Sakaja had to be evacuated from Toi market after residents attempted to pelt his convoy with stones.
At the time, Sakaja was visiting the market in the wake of a fire inferno which was believed to have been caused by an electric fault.
During the same church service, Sakaja hopped onto the defence of Ruto as he passionately defended the Head-of-State's development track record since Kenya Kwanza seized power in 2022.
The governor used a practical example to emphasize that Ruto needed more time to deliver on everything he set out to do as President.
"The other day I went to Murang'a and people asked me about MauMau Road. But MauMuau stopped fighting in 1963 and we had the first president for 14 years, the second one for 24 years and the road got worse, the third one for ten years still no road, the fourth one came, and still no road but you 2 years and the blame is already on you. Is that fair? In two years he solves a 60-year problem," Sakaja said.
President Ruto, on his part, reiterated to the church his earlier promises, vowing to deliver on food security, universal healthcare, and affordable housing.
