Sakaja defends Ruto and other leaders against intimidation and attacks
The escalating tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have reached a critical point, with Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja launching a verbal attack on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is facing criticism from rival factions within the party.
Sakaja has told Rigathi to respect President Ruto and other elected leaders, including himself, and warned him to stop fighting Ruto.
Speaking to over 7,000 UDA grassroots delegates, Sakaja who’s vying for the Chairmanship in Nairobi, 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.
Sakaja took a swipe at the 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.
Corruption
Sakaja’s administration has come under increasing criticism for alleged massive looting that has attracted major critics, including the DP, and it’s unsurprising that he seized the moment to go on a full attack on Rigathi.
