In a scathing indictment of the current leadership at Nairobi City Hall, prominent figures from the Kenya Kwanza movement have vehemently criticized the administration for its poor governance and rampant corruption.
Led by John Kiarie, Member of Parliament for Dagoretti South, the leaders highlighted a litany of issues plaguing the capital city, ranging from mismanagement of public funds to unchecked urban development.
During a press conference held in Nairobi, Hon. Kiarie and his colleagues accused the current city leadership of presiding over what they termed “the worst leadership crisis in Nairobi’s history.”
They lamented the stark disparity between the promises made during election campaigns and the grim reality facing city residents today.
“The dream that was sold during campaigns of a city of order and dignity, hope and opportunity for all has turned into the nightmare Nairobi is becoming,” remarked Hon. Kiarie.
“Nairobi city is drowning in a free-flowing sewage, estates buried in mountains of garbage, taps whistling to the tunes of dryness, as stormwaters flood our homes and businesses.”
The leaders castigated City Hall for its lack of strategic planning, noting that two years after the elections, the city continues to operate without a coherent plan for development.
They accused the administration of prioritizing self-interest and corruption over the welfare of Nairobi’s residents.
Citing a recent report by the Auditor General, the leaders pointed to gross mismanagement of public finances, including payments to ghost workers and selective payment of pending bills in exchange for kickbacks.
They also raised concerns about the arbitrary approval of building plans, leading to the proliferation of poorly planned high-rise structures across the city.
“The arrogance displayed in the acquisition of personal private luxurious assets by the City’s top leadership is shocking and nauseating,” added Hon. Kiarie.
In a call to action, the Kenya Kwanza leaders demanded accountability from Governor Johnson Sakaja and his administration.
They urged relevant oversight and investigative bodies to intervene swiftly to address the rampant mismanagement and incompetence at City Hall.
“We are starting here in Parliament. The Senate, which has an oversight role over counties, must process Nairobi with urgency,” declared Hon. Kiarie.
“Governor Sakaja must account to Nairobians through the Senate. He must be invited to put the records straight.”
The statement was delivered by Hon. John Kiarie, flanked by Hon. Kamande Mwafrika (MP for Roysambu), Hon. Mejjadonk Benjamin (MP for Embakasi Central), and several other Nairobi leaders.