Former Nairobi Gubernatorial Aspirant Denise Kodhe Lambasts Incumbent Governor Sakaja's Leadership, Calls for Accountability and Long-Term Vision

 By James Mutua

Executive Director of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership in Africa Mr. Denise Kodhe. He has criticized Mr. Sakaja for mismanaging Nairobi. 


In a scathing rebuke of Nairobi's incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, Denise Kodhe, Executive Director of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership in Africa and former Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant, has lambasted the current administration for its failure to uplift Nairobi to its rightful stature.

Speaking to the press on Monday in Nairobi, Kodhe who contested in the 2022 Nairobi gubernatorial race under the banner of the Liberal Democratic Party, lamented the lack of visionary leadership from Governor Sakaja. 

What is happening in Nairobi County is not surprising, I was an aspirant under the Party of Liberal Democratic Party and I talked about these issues during my campaigns, the current governor is not only incompetent, he's corrupt to the core. Instead of fixing simple things like drainage and sewer he's busy amassing wealth.                                                                                              Mr. Denise Kodhe, Executive Director, Institute for Democracy Leadership in Africa 

Expressing his disappointment, Kodhe emphasized Nairobi's pivotal role as the capital of Kenya, asserting that anybody coming to Kenya must pass through Nairobi and must see Kenya through Nairobi city.  During his electoral campaign, Kodhe articulated his vision of positioning Nairobi among the leading cities of the world, drawing inspiration from metropolises like Tokyo. 

However, Kodhe bemoaned the prevalence of short-term gratification over long-term development goals in electoral politics. He said that it is unfortunate that during campaigns people choose handouts over service delivery noting that Nairobians are bearing the consequences of this decision.

Unfortunately, during elections, people choose handouts over service delivery. Nairobi needs a governor who will propel the city to great heights. Mr Kodhe 

Calling for accountability, Kodhe urged Nairobians to hold Governor Sakaja responsible for his campaign promises.

He expressed dismay at the absence of essential infrastructure such as sewage and drainage systems, attributing their neglect to "bad politics."

Reflecting on past experiences, Kodhe lamented the cycle of electing leaders based on superficial promises, only to witness a prioritization of personal gains over public service once in office. He called for a paradigm shift in the electorate's mindset, advocating for the election of honest leaders committed to fulfilling their duty of providing essential services to the people.

Regarding the ongoing medical strike, Mr. Kodhe stated that issuing ultimatums to doctors and dismissing them was not a solution. He emphasized that the government has a responsibility to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed with doctors without imposing conditions. He further expressed that firing doctors indicates ignorance and a lack of leadership skills at both the County and National levels. Mr. Kodhe urged COTU to support the striking doctors as they are rightfully demanding what is rightfully theirs.

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