Sakaja takes bold stand for UDA chairmanship, calls out Gachagua

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has taken a resolute stand against critics of his bid for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairmanship in Nairobi, directly addressing opposition and internal party dynamics.

Speaking to over 7,000 UDA grassroots delegates, Sakaja emphasized his determination to remain undeterred by those opposing his candidacy.

He underscored the importance of strengthening the UDA in Nairobi to secure more seats in the upcoming elections compared to the last cycle.

In a bold move, Sakaja called out UDA Deputy Party Leader, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of bullying leaders within the ruling coalition.

He said: “Huwezi kuwa you are bullying people for two years, then unatajwa wiki moja unaanza kulia. Do you know bullies are the biggest cowards?”

“Mpaka unaenda sijui kwa msitu, sijui wapi…if you want respect, respect other leaders. If you don’t respect those leaders, then respect the people who put them there.”

Sakaja went on to dare the DP to run for the Nairobi County governorship seat in the 2027 elections if he does not respect his capacity as an elected official.

“I’ve been through a lot and I’m not easily intimidated, nobody has the right to say I was given the seat. I was elected,” charged Sakaja.

“In 2027, you are free to run for any elective post, run and be Nairobi Governor.”

The Nairobi Governor meanwhile stressed that the party must elect leaders based on their agendas for the people rather than tribal affiliations.

Sakaja in his address said that he envisions a future where key positions such as Governors, Senators, Women Representatives, and half of Nairobi’s Members of County Assembly (MCAs) are held by UDA members.

Rejecting his critics as proponents of tribal politics, he reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his gubernatorial duties as he proudly announced that as of May 23, 2024, Nairobi County’s revenue performance had reached Ksh 11.2 billion—the highest since the onset of devolution.

The delegates showed strong support for Sakaja, endorsing his bid for the UDA Chairmanship in the upcoming election.

Sakaja’s firm stance against internal party pressures and his vision for a unified, agenda-driven UDA have galvanized grassroots support, setting the stage for a dynamic political contest.