Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has responded to a report that he has fallen out with Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe by posting screenshots of text and Whatsapp conversations between him and his Deputy.
It had been alleged that State House had instructed Sonko to let Igathe handle the running of the city while he concentrates on politics.
This is said to have led to a falling out between the Governor and his Deputy as Sonko did not have control over key functions of the County Government.
An intergovernmental committee based at the President's office was reported as being in control of key county appointments, awarding of contracts and the undertaking of major projects.
In response, Governor Sonko has claimed that the authors of the report were trying to blackmail him as he had refused to prequalify their proxy companies to win contracts for supplies to City Hall.
[caption caption="Some of the screenshots released by Sonko"]
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"I'm in very good books with my Deputy Polycarp Igathe," Sonko stated before posting screenshots of conversations between them as evidence of their regular communication.
Sonko further divulged that the National Government had begun paying off its Sh80 Billion debt to Nairobi City County.
The report had indicated that as part of the Government's plan, the county would terminate cases against the Government, effectively writing off the debts.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in November unveiled the Nairobi Regeneration Project, a Sh17 Billion collaboration project between the National and County Government meant to improve the condition of the city.
President Kenyatta appointed Igathe as Co-Chair of the Special Taskforce on Nairobi, the body in charge of the project.
Some of the screenshots shared:
