Sakaja Breaks Silence After Senate Committee Ordered His Arrest

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended himself after he failed to appear for summon over the Mradi gas explosion in Embakasi.

In a statement on Thursday, April 11, Sakaja said appearing before the Senate is a constitutional requirement that he takes seriously.

The Nairobi Governor accused a section of Senators of making him appear as if he does not respect the Senate.

Sakaja argued that rescheduling appearances is common noting that other invitees have canceled summons previously.

“It is the same members who announced that I was out of the country on Monday who are now up in arms that I am away,” said Sakaja.

He added, “Sensationalizing a rescheduling and making the Senate appear as if it acts in vain is what belittles the house. Many appearances by other invitees have been rescheduled due to travel, infirmity or prior booked official engagements.”

The Nairobi Governor mentioned that he has appeared before the Senate severally and has no reasons not to respond to questions raised over the Mradi explosion or financial audits.

“I have appeared severally and will continue to do so. I have no reasons not to answer to respond to any questions raised on Mradi or FY 20-22 audits,” said Sakaja.

His statement comes after the Senate Energy Committee directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest him and present him before the committee on April 25, 2024.

“The Senate Energy Committee looking into the Mradi gas explosion in Embakasi has resolved to fine Governor Sakaja another Ksh 500,000 and requested the IG of Police to arrest and present him to the committee on 25th April 2024. He failed to appear again this morning,” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna announced.