Inside Sonko plot to scuttle today’s ouster motion against him
Details have emerged of the plans by embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to scuttle attempts to impeach him.
Keen to pull a fast one on the MCAs pushing for his impeachment, the governor flew MCAs allied to him to Diani, Kwale county, for a meeting to plot the motion’s downfall.
People Daily has learnt that Sonko took 57 MCAs to Diani for the strategy meeting on Monday and booked 27 others in a five-star hotel in Naivasha.
Our source said Sonko hosted the MCAs from both sides of the political divide during which he sought to convince them to drop the bid to remove him.
Speaking on phone, Sonko’s Spokesperson Ben Mulwa downplayed reports that the meetings were aimed at thwarting the impeachment motion, saying his boss was ready to face his accusers.
“The governor is prepared for the day and he believes the frivolous allegations levelled against him will not see the light of day.
In the event there are MCAs who are in any part of the country or even outside the country, it has nothing to do with the governor,” he said.
At the same time, Mulwa dismissed claims that Sonko bribed MCAs not to support the motion.
“The governor does not need to bribe anybody for them to stand by the truth. These are far-fetched and unnecessary claims.”
Mulwa maintained that Sonko will not attend the session to defend himself asserting that the matter is in court.
“On Monday, the court made a ruling stopping any proceedings regarding the motion.
As a law abiding citizen, the governor is bound by that court order and so he cannot participate in a process that has been put on hold by the court of law,” he said.
But Minority Whip Peter Imwatok expressed confidence the motion will sail through.
“We are going to proceed with the impeachment motion and we are still expecting the governor to appear before the Assembly at 2.30pm (today) to defend himself.”
Employment and Labour Relations Court judge Nzioki Makau on Monday issued conservatory orders suspending debate on the motion until an application by Sonko is heard and determined.
The matter is also set to be heard today.
Meanwhile, the purge on Sonko’s perceived allies continued yesterday after two MCAs were put on notice for defaulting payment of monthly party subscription fees.
The two nominated MCAs, Ruth Ndumi Maingi and Beatrice Waithera Gakunyi now risk being de-whipped as a result of failing to remit monthly party subscription since October 2017 amounting to Sh170,000 each.
In a letter dated November 30, 2020, the Jubilee Party asked the MCAs to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against them should they fail to remit the dues.
Jubilee Party Nairobi Regional Director Susan Mugwe said the action by the two constitutes indiscretion to the party and is contrary to Article 13 of the Jubilee Party Constitution and the Code of Conduct they signed.
The letter has also been copied to the Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu, Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju and National Disciplinary Committee chairman Muchai Lumatate.
On Tuesday, Ann Thumbi, Silvia Museiya and Millicent Jagero were suspended from the party for three months and de-whipped from committees they serve in at the Nairobi County Assembly for six months for undermining the party.
