Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed claims of a lasting political fallout between him and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying the two have no personal differences despite attempts by some people to set them against each other.
Sakaja said on Wednesday, August 12, that he believes Gachagua has gradually come to understand that information presented to him about the Nairobi governor was not accurate.
“I have no issue with Gachagua. For a long time, people were trying to turn us against each other, telling him, ‘Oh, this guy doesn’t like our community,’ and there were many schemes to create conflict between us.
“I think over time, he has come to realize the truth, and people themselves have been telling him, ‘no, boss, you have been fed lies,” Sakaja said.
According to the governor, the relationship has also been discussed by other political leaders, with some reportedly asking Gachagua to back his continued leadership of Nairobi after the 2027 General Election.
“I have no problem with him. In fact, many people have told him, ‘Let’s leave this guy in the county,’ because the other people who are running may not be trustworthy,” Sakaja stated.
Sakaja said his relationship with members of Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) also remains cordial, pointing to his friendship with Senator John Methu.
“I talk to the leaders in the DCP party. People like Senator John Methu are my friends, and we are age-mates,” Sakaja added.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, Sakaja is yet to settle on the political vehicle he will use to seek another term as Nairobi governor.
He said several people have approached him and expressed willingness to support his re-election, but have asked him to join specific political parties.
“Many people are saying, ‘Sakaja, we want to support you, but come with this party.’ So we are holding discussions, and before the end of this month, you will see what happens,” the Nairobi Governor stated.
His comments come after Gachagua announced in February that DCP would seek to field its own candidate for the Nairobi governor’s seat in the next election.
“In Nairobi, we must present a DCP candidate for the governorship. For the other positions, such as the Senate, Woman Representative, and Members of Parliament, we will consult with Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper and others to agree on our strategy,” he said in February.
Former Planning PS Irungu Nyakera and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya are among politicians who have declared their intention to contest for the Nairobi governorship on a DCP ticket.