Nairobi Assembly’s New Minority Leader Calls for Prompt Project Implementation

The recently appointed leaders of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) within the Nairobi County Assembly have made a resolute commitment to exercise their oversight duties and keep a close eye on the executive branch. Led by Minority Leader Waithera Chege, these leaders have openly highlighted a concerning gap between the Sakaja administration’s promises and the actual conditions on the ground.

In a statement to the media, they emphasized that a year after their election, issues like waste management problems, traffic congestion, and alleged harassment by inspectorate officers have continued to worsen. The current administration, they asserted, has shown little genuine interest in delivering practical solutions to these challenges.

Waithera Chege stated, “Our constituents have made their priorities clear. We expect tangible results, not empty rhetoric. Issues such as exorbitant legal fees and the mistreatment of local traders by county askaris cannot take precedence over the needs of the people.”

Furthermore, she noted that the executive has failed to implement policies that truly address the needs of the community. Waithera urged Governor Sakaja to personally take charge of the situation and ensure that projects are initiated and executed promptly.

Additionally, Waithera invited the previous leadership to join forces with the new appointees to work collaboratively for the betterment of the assembly. “In contrast to our predecessors, who prioritized personal interests, we pledge to champion the interests of the Nairobi residents,” she emphasized.

Minority Whip Joy Muthoni issued a challenge to the Speaker of the county assembly, urging them to facilitate the necessary changes. She emphasized, “The ball is in your court. The party has fulfilled its role, and now it’s up to you, Speaker Ng’ondi.”

It’s important to note that the assembly is currently in recess until the following week.

Earlier in the day, the UDA party made leadership changes within the Nairobi County Assembly. Cleophas Malala, the UDA Secretary-General, formally announced these changes, appointing South B MCA Waithera Chege as the new Minority Leader, replacing Antony Kiragu, the former Waithaka MCA. Deonysias Mwangi from Guthurai MCA will serve as Waithera’s deputy.

Nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni has taken the position of Minority Whip, replacing Umoja One MCA Mark Mugambi. She will be assisted by Clay MCA Samora Mwaura as her deputy.

Malala explained that these changes resulted from a prior meeting of UDA MCAs where concerns about the previous leadership were discussed. He stated, “In that meeting, it was resolved that the minority leader and minority whip should be replaced based on the minutes of the meeting, which we have enclosed, along with the signed attendance record of the honorable members.” The letter was addressed to the Speaker’s office and copied to the minority leadership.

Previously, a group of legislators from UDA had called on the party’s top leadership to make these leadership changes within the assembly. At least 35 MCAs, aligned with the Ruto-led party, showed their support for the removal of MCA Kiragu and MCA Mugambi from their leadership positions, citing their failure to provide effective guidance and leadership on critical legislative matters.