Kidero concedes defeat to Sonko

Outgoing Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero on Monday conceded defeat and pledged to support Mike Sonko’s government in a move lauded by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for the newly-elected Mike Sonko and his deputy Polycarp Igathe at Uhuru Park, Dr Kidero congratulated the incoming governor, but warned him if he intends to transform the county he must lobby the national government to settle the huge debt it owes City Hall.

The former county boss attributed the failure of his regime to the huge debt inherited during the advent of devolution in 2013.

“One of the many problems that made my government fail to deliver adequately to Nairobi residents is the more than Ksh72bn debt I inherited back in 2013. I fought hard to have the government pay but didn’t succeed. May be the debt will be paid during your regime,” said Kidero.

President Kenyatta lauded Dr Kidero for graciously handing over power instead of filing a court petition as he had earlier stated. Twice during his brief speech, Kidero said he recognized Sonko as the governor that the people had decided and wished him well in his agenda to transform the city.

“It is so easy to criticize from the outside but now you’re the governor and you will see the many obstacles I faced. I’m always available for any consultations, let us work together and make Nairobi prosper,” added Kidero.