Governor Sakaja, lawyer Donald Kipkorir in bitter war of words over bribery claims

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and outspoken lawyer Donald Kipkorir are locked in a bitter exchange of words over alleged bribery demands in the county government.

Kipkorir kicked off the clash on X, accusing the Nairobi County boss of asking for kickbacks, upholding corruption in his office and legal malpractice.

Detailing the genesis of the scandal, Kipkorir claimed that Nairobi County's budget committee called him from Naivasha promising to settle his pending legal bills as long as he would give them a 50 per cent cut.

He also told them that his fees are in accordance with the Advocates Remuneration Order and that he was not going to pay a single cent in the form of a bribe.

"Last month, Nairobi County Assembly Budget Committee together with Governor Sakaja Johnson were in Naivasha preparing the County's Supplementary Budget. They called me that they want to approve all my payments if I give them 50% of the sums I am owed," he wrote on X.

"I told them, my fees are in accordance with The Advocates (Remuneration) Order & decreed by Court & I won't pay a bribe. Nairobi City under the Governor pay Bills, Invoices & Court Decrees to those that pay a bribe of 50%."

Kipkorir further claimed that Nairobi County under Sakaja will go down as the “most corrupt leadership in Kenya,” even asking the President to dissolve the county assembly and discipline Sakaja.

"Nairobi City under Sakaja Johnson will go down as the most corrupt leadership in Kenya's History with a County Assembly that is completely beholden to him. It is time President William Ruto dissolves both the County Assembly & expels Sakaja from UDA!" he wrote.

The Governor reacted to the allegations almost immediately, calling Kipkorir corrupt while also claiming that he had never discussed legal fees with the lawyer neither had he ever sent an emissary on the mission.

"Who called you? Be specific. I have never spoken to you on your fees neither have I ever sent anyone to you. If anything, I have resisted your overtures," he stated.

"It's unfathomable that one lawyer wants to be paid more than 1b for a matter between govts. We will continue to challenge it. You are the corrupt one and bitter because you will not be paid that amount."

Kipkorir shot back too, claiming that he was in possession of call logs which would prove his case while at the same time saying that he was confident of payment - and that he would still not part with the alleged 50 per cent bribe.

"Call-logs will show your people called me from Naivasha I never called them ...And had you gone to University, you would have understood that legal fees in Kenya are regulated by law & computation is done by Deputy Registrars," he wrote. 

"Even if you bribe Judicial Officers, you will waste your money as computation of legal fees is arithmetic & not guess work! The law will pay me whether you like it or not. I will not pay you 50% or 1% bribe!"

As the two participated in the bitter offensive, Kenyans followed it all gleefully with many appearing to support lawyer Kipkorir's assertions.

"Gavana ,you are picking way too many wars. Everyone cannot be wrong... Surely, where there is smoke, there is fire. On this, I'm with Kipkorir. Wakili, expose this arrogant man kabisa!" one X user said.

A High Court advocate also chimed in, saying, "Who legally advises Nairobi county Govt and it's Governor? It's basic that the 1B fee note has to be paid whether in the current county government cycle or the next, i mean the taxing master taxed off the bill of costs, at the end of the day, it must be satisfied!"

Who called you? Be specific. I have never spoken to you on your fees neither have I ever sent anyone to you. If anything, I have resisted your overtures. It's unfathomable that one lawyer wants to be paid more than 1b for a matter between govts. We will continue to challenge it.…— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) April 19, 2024