Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja revealed intrigues behind his meeting with President William Ruto that sealed the appointment of officials to the County Executive Committee (CEC).
Speaking on Inooro TV on Tuesday, January 10, Sakaja noted that he had extensive consultations with President Ruto who gave him the green light to negotiate with the opposition party.
The governor affirmed that after consultations with Azimio's Raila Odinga and his team, they arrived at an amicable way to divide the appointments.
"During the meeting, Raila and his team requested five officials but we agreed on three. Hence, out of the ten, we had to distribute across to ensure one region is not favoured.
"In addition, pertaining to chief officers, I gave them more members. Were it not for the intervention, they would have acquired only two seats; Public Accounts Committee and Public Investments Committee.
"They were, however, able to get seven committee chairmen and four vice-chairpersons," he affirmed.
Sakaja affirmed that the meeting eradicated a possible tiff between him and the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) on matters regarding the county administration.
Further, the Nairobi boss dispelled rumours of wrangles with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while affirming his respect towards the second in command.
"I don't have any problem with the DP. I respect him as my elder. He is in a higher position in terms of our party. I can't comment much about my boss.
"There might be an area where we did not agree on and so we will sit and discuss it with him. Nairobi will always have a special relationship with National Government," Sakaja set the record straight.
Sakaja has in the past downplayed the alleged discord between him and the deputy president. In a press statement on January 8, 2023, he warned politicians against inciting the public over the matter.
"There are some politicians, especially from other parts of the country that are trying to create a tiff between me and national leaders.
“They should desist from doing so because I have a lot of respect for my seniors and there are no differences between us at the moment,” he noted.
