Githurai Ward MCA Deonysias Mwangi Waithira has tendered his resignation from the Nairobi County Assembly, as the rift between the ward members and Governor Johnson Sakaja escalates.
Waithera confirmed his resignation in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke following a letter sent on Wednesday, September 17, to the Speaker of the County Assembly. The MCA, who is affiliated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance, cited frustration over what he described as 'systemic failure by the County Executive to implement development projects and deliver basic services to residents'.
"I, Hon. Deonysias Mwangi Waithira, hereby tender my resignation from the elective position of Member of the Third Nairobi City County Assembly representing Githurai Ward," the letter read.
It went on, "I was duly elected and subsequently gazetted under Gazette Notice No. 9956 dated 24th August 2022, under Constituency Code 279 and County Assembly Ward Code 1391, on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party ticket. This resignation shall take effect from Monday, 1st November 2025."
Despite acknowledging the trust that was placed in him by the UDA party and the Githurai people, Waithira reiterated that he could no longer continue to serve as MCA under the prevailing conditions.
He went on to describe the resignation as "one of the most difficult decisions of my life".
Waithira faulted the Nairobi County government for what he described as the consistent neglect of his ward by the County Executive, despite his relentless advocacy on the floor of the Assembly and in committee work.
He also accused the executive of disregarding resolutions and delaying the implementation of key infrastructure and service delivery projects in Githurai.
In addition, the outgoing MCA raised concerns over the lack of a functioning mechanism to enforce resolutions which are typically passed by the County Assembly. According to Waithira, many motions and recommendations made in the interest of Githurai residents had gone unimplemented.
He also faulted administrative inefficiencies within the Assembly itself, citing the delay in facilitating Ward Office Imprest, which he says has hindered day-to-day operations at the Githurai Ward Office.
"These are not mere personal concerns but the sovereign aspirations of the people of Githurai Ward, expressed during public participation forums, particularly in the Third Generation County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), Annual Development Plans (ADPs), County Fiscal Strategy Papers (CFSPs), and the corresponding Budget Estimates. Unfortunately, these aspirations have remained unfulfilled promises on paper," the statement went on.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Waithera said he plans to hold a press conference to update the public on his decision and what comes next.
Can an MCA Resign?
Under Kenyan Law, there are provisions to allow a County Assembly Member to tender his resignation. Article 194(1)(d) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 specifically provides that "The office of a member of a county assembly becomes vacant if the member resigns in writing addressed to the speaker of the county assembly."
The two conditions which must be met to validate the resignation are that it should be in writing and directly addressed to the Speaker of the County Assembly.
Waithira's resignation letter came weeks after MCAs attempted to launch impeachment proceedings against Governor Sakaja, citing grievances including the failure to fulfil campaign promises, delays in disbursing bursaries, and the stalled Ward Development Fund.
MCAs accused Sakaja of neglecting the needs of Nairobi residents and ignoring the priorities of the county’s wards.
