Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja broke his silence after billboards welcoming Kenyans back to Nairobi attracted an immense backlash.
In a statement on Thursday, January 5, Sakaja noted that he used his personal funds to erect the billboards which elicited debate online
The Governor's comment was a response to a Twitter user who questioned the move demanding to know his source of funding.
“(But Johnson Sakaja) even as we continue supporting you, just stop those cheap PR stunts. I hope you used your own money to pay for those "Welcome Back" billboards,” he paused.
Sakaja, in a rebuttal, responded by affirming that he indeed used his own money and that many of his supporters appreciated the move.
"Yes, I used my own money. You may not like it but many appreciate it," he clarified without disclosing how much the project cost.
A section of Kenyans had felt that the billboards were a misplaced priority and that more pressing challenges needed to be addressed within the city.
“You should not use money in putting up billboards that are not meant to bring any tangible benefit." a concerned citizen lamented.
Interestingly, the governor received support from a section of Kenyans who praised his welcome-back message.
Haron Ogweno, in a tweet, remarked, “Most Kenyans have a welcome back mat on their doors but are castigating the governor.”
On the billboard, Sakaja and his deputy Njoroge Muchiri wished Nairobians who were coming back to Nairobi following the long Christmas holiday, a prosperous new year.
"Welcome back, Prosperous 2023! Let's make Nairobi work," the billboard read.
