Nairobi on autopilot: Special sitting ruled out as Sonko says he will comply with court order

The leadership of Nairobi County has now been thrown into the winds of uncertainty after the Senate ruled out calls by Senator Johnson Sakaja to hold a special sitting.

Sakaja had requested for the special session to address the vacuum of power after the anti-corruption court barred Governor Sonko from accessing his office.

However, Speaker Kenneth Lusaka told Citizen TV on Friday that: ”According to our standing orders it is clear that a special sitting can be done only by the majority leaders and minority leader with the support of 15 signatures.”

According to him, convening a special sitting is a prerogative of the Majority and Minority leaders of the Upper House.

The court decision made after Sonko was charged with abuse of office and other crimes has created an unprecedented constitutional crisis.

It has triggered a series of actions by stakeholders to find a solution to the crisis that has been further deepened by the fact that Sonko does not have a deputy.

Further, the law allows the County Speaker to take charge in the event of a vacuum but legal experts argue that the court sanction on Sonko does not equate to this.

Nairobi County Speaker Beatrice Elachi has also sought the input of the Attorney General to break the current gridlock.

The Court of Appeal will also be making a ruling on December 20 on whether a Governor with a graft case in court can execute his mandate as the case goes on.

On his part, Sonko said he will comply with the court’s decision.

As I have always said, I am a law abiding citizen, hence shall comply with the court's decision that I stay away from my office to let justice take it's course. Happy Jamhuri Day to you all.

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) December 12, 2019