Waititu Demands Nairobi’s Governor Must Come From Mount Kenya
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has made an impassioned speech calling for the next Nairobi Governor to be from the Mt Kenya region.
Waititu, also known as Baba Yao, addressed attendees at the ordination of Benson Gathungu, also known as Muthee Kiengei, as bishop at JCM Church in Ruiru.
He expressed the grievances of the Kikuyu community in Nairobi. Waititu emphatically stated that the Kikuyus in Nairobi have been mistreated for far too long.
Waititu was speaking at a gathering that included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Senator Paul Thangwa, MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, opposition leaders Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa.
Highlighting previous elections, he stated that the Kikuyu community supported Mike Sonko and current Governor Johnson Sakaja based on instructions from the Jubilee Party and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"Ruto is the worst decision we made!" Bold Waititu fumes as He lashes out on President Ruto infornt of DP Gachagua! pic.twitter.com/WHGkAu6Bge
— Naomi Waithira (@Naomikibandi) June 21, 2024
With the 2027 elections approaching, Waititu believes it is time for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to support a candidate from the Mount Kenya region.
“In 2027, we want Nairobi’s governor to be from Mount Kenya. It doesn’t matter if he’s Kikuyu or not; he must be from Mt Kenya,” Waititu said.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership of President William Ruto and Governor Sakaja, claiming that the Kikuyu community in Nairobi has suffered under their rule.
Waititu believes that a Kikuyu governor could be the solution to these issues.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revealed on May 27 that 40,000 households, totaling at least 181,000 people, have voluntarily relocated from riparian areas along the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong rivers.
This statement has done little to calm the Mt Kenya business community, which believes these measures are intended to target them.
Waititu’s sentiments echoed those of the Mt Kenya business community.
Absalom Odhiambo, the Korogocho Member of the County Assembly (MCA), has already written to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua about the ongoing demolitions in riparian areas.
The business owners, feeling betrayed, criticized Gachagua for failing to protect their interests.
They accused him of concentrating on other agendas, such as the ‘One Man, One Shilling, One Vote’ campaign, while ignoring promises made during the 2022 elections.
Odhiambo expressed the frustrations of the business owners, highlighting the disparity in the treatment of various areas.
“Why are you demolishing houses in Korogocho but not in areas where the river begins? You are only demolishing houses for hustlers and mama mbogas,” he stated.
The business community has urged the Deputy President and other leaders to intervene and protect their interests.
Waititu also accused the government of using punitive measures against the Kikuyu community.
He urged the leadership to reconsider their actions and take steps to protect the interests of the Kikuyu people in Nairobi.
Nairobi politics have already gained traction, pitting Gachagua against Governor Sakaja.
Earlier this month, Gachagua issued a stern warning to Sakaja, urging him to prioritize the interests of the Mt Kenya business community if he wants to secure their votes in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
He reminded Sakaja of the region’s overwhelming support and advised him to seek community input before making any significant changes in Nairobi.
“As I told you, the people of this region voted for you to a man. These are good people. Remain close to them and mind their interests and their businesses. If there are any changes in Nairobi before you implement them, consult and agree with them,” Gachagua advised.
Waititu Demands Nairobi’s Governor Must Come From Mount Kenya
