Over 35 UDA Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Nairobi have urged political leaders to tone down the heated political rhetoric in the county to allow development projects to proceed without interference.
Led by Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu, the MCAs emphasized the importance of maintaining the cooperation seen in the last two years, where a broad-based county government, inclusive of UDA, ODM, and Wiper parties, has operated without major political disruptions.
Speaking at a press briefing, Kiragu stressed the need for political calm. “This is not an election year. We need to tone down and allow our leaders and the Governor to work. The recent political interference from senior leaders is uncalled for—it is not meant to bring order but to divide people along tribal lines,” he said.
The MCAs strongly condemned the increasing political intrusion in Nairobi, asserting that it is causing division and chaos rather than fostering unity. Nairobi, being a cosmopolitan city, should not fall victim to tribalism, they argued.
“This is the capital city, home to all tribes. We don’t want leaders who divide residents based on their tribal affiliations. We need leaders who see the electorate as one people, all deserving of service from a united government,” MCA Mark Mugambi added.
Their remarks come in the wake of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent visit to the Marikiti market, accompanied by leaders from his community.
The visit sparked a verbal exchange with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who criticized it as a political maneuver rather than a solutions-driven meeting.
Governor Sakaja had previously met with market leaders and agreed on a relocation plan for onion, orange, pineapple, and potato vendors to move to Kangundo, citing that Marikiti was operating at three times its intended capacity.
“We must have a city of law and order. We cannot allow traders to sell goods on the roads and walkways when modern markets remain empty,” Sakaja stated.
The MCAs further called on President William Ruto, as the UDA party leader, to address the rising political tensions, warning that they may derail the government’s performance and hamper Nairobi’s development agenda.
