Igathe's Resignation a Non-issue As He Fired Himself, Nairobi Governor Sonko Says

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has appeared to rule out chances of talks with deputy governor Polycarp Igathe to mend their broken relationship after Igathe resigned from his position last week.

When asked by journalists whether he was considering dialogue to reunite with Igathe, the governor termed the matter a non-issue, stating that the deputy fired himself.

“I do not want to comment on that for now, it is a non-issue to me. I did not fire him, he decided to fire himself,” he said.

“His resignation is a non-issue to me. I did not fire him, he decided to exit. We have other elected leaders – the MCAs – and I’d urge Nairobi residents to have faith in us, even as we promise efficient service delivery. That is our prime focus,” said Sonko.

“We were just focusing on development and delivering services to the people of Nairobi. What Nairobians want is for us to fix roads, drainage systems and collect waste within our wards amongst other services, it is only through working together and implementing the ward development fund that we can realise this,” Sonko said after opening a three-day workshop for Nairobi MCAs to discuss the budget-making process at the Ruiru Rainbow Resort, Kiambu county.

Nairobi County assembly chief whip Chege Mwaura said all Ward Representatives regardless of their party affiliation have thrown their weight behind Sonko to deliver services to city residents.

“We are going to support him to fulfill his mandate, nothing is going to stop regardless of the recent happenings,” said Mwaura.

“Our support for Mr. Sonko is unequivocal and unconditional. We want him to continue to deliver services to the Nairobi people. He was given that mandate. We have given him a free hand to consult whoever he wants, and at whatever level he wants,” he added.

Igathe resigned from his post on January 12th, citing lack of trust between him and Governor Sonko.

“I regret I have failed to earn the trust of the governor to enable me to drive administration and management of the county. Without fear, favour or ill will, I step down to avoid abusing or betraying my oath of office to Kenyans, Nairobians and my family,” tweeted Igathe.