Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has nominated Anne Kananu Mwenda as Nairobi’s Deputy Governor. The decision comes at a time when Sonko is facing graft charges and in a court order in December, he was barred from accessing his office and conducting official County business. He was released on a Kshs 15 million bail in the Kshs 357 million corruption case. The County has been without a Governor since Polycarp Igathe resigned on January 2018 citing frustrations.
Governor Sonko has cited the case he is involved in, and the subsequent need for ensuring stability in Nairobi as factors in the decision to finally nominate a DG, in a letter addressed to Nairobi County speaker Beatrice Elachi. “The decision is in line with Article 180 (5) of the Constitution of Kenya, and the Supreme Court Advisory of March 2018. I therefore humbly urge the Assembly to expedite the vetting process of the said nominee, for purposes of appointment, as per the provisions of the County government Act, Section 8 (1) (a)…” he said.
The nomination of Anne Mwenda, who is the Chief Officer in charge of Disaster Management Services in Nairobi has been met with opposition however, with DPP Noordin Haji saying the decision is unacceptable. Haji dismissed the appointment, pointing out that nominating a Deputy Governor is in violation of his bail terms, adding that the prosecution will move to court.