Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has appealed for political calm while vowing to take tough, unpopular measures to address flooding and restore order in the city.
Speaking at PCEA Evergreen Parish in Roysambu, Sakaja warned leaders against fuelling tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He defended the county’s ongoing crackdown on illegal developments, particularly on riparian land.
“I want to ask fellow leaders, this sense of panic that has set in — it is not even a year to the election, yet people have started fighting,” Sakaja said.
“This country needs peace, stability and tolerance. Kenyans want a peaceful environment to do their business.”
He spoke against the backdrop of rising political temperatures and recent incidents of disruption at public gatherings, including funerals, which he described as unacceptable.
“We saw people being removed from a funeral. That is not the Kenya we want,” he said. “Violence is not the answer. If you don’t support someone, you will have your say at the ballot next year. But for now, we must coexist peacefully.”
Sakaja also reiterated his administration’s commitment to reclaiming riparian land, linking illegal construction on waterways to Nairobi’s perennial flooding problem.
The governor said the exercise is already in “high gear,” with several encroached areas reclaimed and more demolitions expected in the coming weeks.
“The work to reclaim riparian land is ongoing at high speed. We have already recovered many areas. As the rains continue, more structures built on riparian land will have to be demolished. No one will be spared in this exercise.”
Sakaja cited Kirichwa Kubwa in Kilimani among areas targeted in the next phase of enforcement, stressing that the move is necessary to restore natural water flow and prevent disasters.
The governor said even sections of State House perimeter wall had been removed to allow water to flow freely—an indication, he said, of the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
He blamed a combination of illegal developments, poor urban planning and changing weather patterns for the worsening floods that have recently hit Nairobi and other parts of the country.
“We have had a big challenge of flooding in the city and across the country. A few weeks ago, we lost people,” he said.
“While we are doing what we can, weather patterns have changed. The rains we are getting are heavier than even the drainage systems we constructed.”
He urged residents living in high-risk zones to relocate voluntarily, warning that continued occupation of such areas puts lives at risk.
“In places like Grogan, we have lost lives. That should not happen,” Sakaja said. “People cannot continue living in dangerous zones. This is not about politics—it is about safety and saving lives.”
The county boss acknowledged that the demolition exercise may face resistance but insisted that difficult decisions must be made to secure the city’s future.
“We must bite the bullet,” he said. “We cannot allow a situation where people block waterways and then complain when floods occur.”
Beyond the flood mitigation efforts, Sakaja warned against politicisation of development projects, highlighting the ongoing construction of the modern Gikomba market.
He assured traders that the facility, once complete, will improve working conditions and restore dignity to thousands of informal sector workers.
“Do not listen to politicians who do not care about your dignity,” he said. “In six months, you will have a proper market that respects your rights and improves your working conditions.”
He urged leaders across the political divide to tone down rhetoric and promote unity, saying the country’s stability depends on responsible leadership.
“As leaders, we need to reduce tensions,” he said. “In a democracy, I may not agree with you, but I will defend your right to voice your opinion. Let us have politics that unite us, not divide us.”
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja urged political calm ahead of the 2027 elections while defending a crackdown on illegal structures to address flooding. He warned of more demolitions on riparian land, linking encroachment and poor planning to recent flood deaths. Sakaja also cited changing weather patterns and called for relocation from high-risk areas. His remarks reflect a dual strategy—asserting authority on urban management while positioning himself as a voice of moderation—though the demolitions risk political backlash and public resistance.
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