Siaya governor James Orengo criticised Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his recent remarks targetting Nairobi governor, Johnson Sakaja.
Gachagua publicly opposed Sakaja's plan to bar matatus from accessing the Central Business District (CBD).
According to Orengo, as outlined in the Constitution, the DP has no right to authorise any reforms in the county government. The governor spoke on Tuesday, January 3, in Matungu, Kakamega, during the memorial service of George Wackoyah's father.
"Sakaja is right and the deputy president is wrong," Orengo declared.
Additionally, Orengo accused Gachagua of overstepping his powers stating, "Sakaja can only talk to the President, not his deputy."
"Nobody can call the county of Nairobi County, other than Sakaja," he added.
Orengo further called county governors to conduct affairs with respect and mutual corporation while avoiding coercion from others.
Furthermore, Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa noted that it was not in the jurisdiction of the DP to interfere with Nairobi county.
"I want to take this opportunity to tell DP Gachagua that he must respect the Constitution, Governor Sakaja is in charge of Nairobi County. Let him do his work without interference," Barasa advised.
The ODM governor urged the DP to give Sakaja an opportunity to serve the people of Nairobi as he sees fit.
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, Gachagua announced he would summon Sakaja to discuss the policy of ejecting matatus from the CBD, a move that allegedly frustrated the business community from Mt Kenya.
"Anything he decides that may affect your business in Nairobi... we must first talk and agree. We will agree on how business people will co-exist in Nairobi without disruptions," Gachagua stated.
His utterances were met with mixed reactions from various lawmakers, with others calling for the impeachment of the county boss.
Additionally, Jack Wanami, an MP allied to the Azimio La Umoja Coalition, announced plans to initiate a motion to impeach the deputy president.
