Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja came under fire on Sunday, January 22, after flying to Western Kenya over the weekend for a burial.
Angry Kenyans took to social media, demanding answers on whether he used government funds for his flight to Busia County.
On Saturday, January 21, Sakaja shared a photo disembarking from a helicopter.
Earlier today in Murumba Village, Marachi Central, Butula in Busia County the funeral service of Mzee Silvanus Magoba father to Hon. Magoba MCA Lower Savannah ward Embakasi East," read part of Sakaja's caption.
Kenyans on Twitter wanted Sakaja to clarify how he could afford expensive travel without using public funds.
One user shared the image stating that a cabinet memo ought to ban the use of helicopters by public officers adding that it was a misuse of public funds.
“Why couldn't Sakaja use commercial flights to get to Kisumu and back to Nairobi for the inter-county sports and burials in Western?” Njoki Wamai, a Twitter user stated.
“I have a little problem drawing a line between public money and personal money. I know how much these things cost,” Herman Manyora, another Twitter user added.
In response, Sakaja stated that his travels were paid for privately explaining that he did not use any public funds for his personal travels.
The governor added that the public should not doubt his ability to afford to use a helicopter.
“My personal travel is paid for privately not by public funds. I would not unnecessarily use public funds for such travel,” Sakaja stated.
He added that he had earlier refused to purchase an official vehicle and a governor’s residence to avoid misusing taxpayer’s money.
"I would not. I even declined to purchase new official vehicles for myself and Ksh500 million for a governor’s residence,” Sakaja responded.
Earlier on Thursday, January 5, Sakaja responded to another uproar after the governor put up welcome back billboards for residents of Nairobi after the December 2022, holidays.
A section of Kenyans felt that the billboards were a misplaced priority and that more pressing issues within the city needed to be addressed.
Sakaja responded by stating that he had 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," Sakaja stated.
