Kenyatta takes control of Nairobi county

Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta, has signed an agreement handing his office the key functions of the Nairobi county government.

The move takes legislative power away from the embattled Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, who currently stands accused of corruption.

Sonko handed over control of transport, health, public works and planning functions, signing the agreement himself in the presence of the President.

Upon completing the handover, the President’s office described the moment as “a landmark agreement”.

The governor is facing serious corruption charges and has been barred from accessing his office until the case has been concluded.

The governor is accused of awarding tenders to close friends and allies, misappropriating county funds and forging official documents, charges he denies.

A motion was tabled last week by Nairobi county lawmakers to debate the impeachment of the governor, which is expected sometime in the near future.

However this agreement, permitting the national government to take control of state functions, has been criticised in some quarters for being unconstitutional.

Senate majority leader, Kipchumba Murkomen, told reporters the transfer of power would be debated in the upper chamber on Wednesday, as it is a “weighty matter that requires deep reflection”.

Photo: State House Kenya