Sonko drops Miguna as Nairobi DG nominee

Governor Mike Sonko has said he will nominate another candidate to the position of Nairobi Deputy Governor after the Nairobi County Assembly on Tuesday rejected his nomination of Miguna Miguna.

In a statement to newsrooms, Sonko said he would present another name after “due consultations.”

“I shall present another qualified nominee to the County Assembly after due consultations to ensure Nairobi County gets a befitting Deputy Governor to support in service delivery,” said Sonko.

“I hereby wish to accept the decision of the Nairobi County Assembly rejecting the nomination of Dr Miguna Miguna as Nairobi Deputy Governor on the basis that he is a dual citizen as provided for under Article 78 of the Constitution.”

He added: “I’m committed to respect the decisions of the Nairobi County Assembly without reservations because they represent the sovereignty and infallible will of the Great People of Nairobi County.”

Speaker Beatrice Elachi on Tuesday explained that she was not in a position to debate the nomination of Miguna because a State officer cannot hold dual citizenship. She, at the same time, referred Miguna’s name back to governor Sonko.

The government has repeatedly maintained that Miguna is not a Kenyan citizen, hence, will only be allowed into the country using his valid Canadian passport.

Immigration Principal Secretary Gordon Kihalangwa said Miguna must apply afresh to regain his Kenyan citizenship.

His nomination raised a storm but Sonko defended the choice saying Miguna was “anti-cartel” and would help him fight corruption in the Capital.