Sonko: Why I nominated Miguna Miguna as Nairobi Deputy Governor

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko says his decision to nominate firebrand lawyer Miguna Miguna as his deputy was informed by an urgent need to fight cartels that have for years marred operations and service delivery at City Hall.

Speaking to Citizen TV on phone, Sonko on Thursday evening said he has confidence that Miguna — his political rival and fiercest critics — is the man with what it takes to fight and defeat the cartels.

“I settled on Miguna Miguna so that he can help me in fighting the cartels. I know that Miguna is the number one ‘anti-cartel’ ,” said Sonko.

Despite Miguna scoffing at the nomination and terming it as a ”malicious distraction and sideshow”, Sonko maintained that he made the move in the spirit of political reconciliation and to promote national unity.

“If the President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga shook hands who is Miguna not to be forgiven? Miguna called me names such as cartel, corrupt man, thief,  drug dealer but let him be forgiven,” said Sonko.

“Let Miguna Miguna be allowed back to the country for him to take up this job I’m offering him to fight the cartels.”

While rejecting the nomination, Miguna said he had not been consulted further claiming that he last spoke to the Governor in July 2017 during the run up to the General Election.

“Mr. Mike Sonko and I have not spoken, met or communicated since our gubernatorial debate in July 2017. I will not comment on malicious information, material or cheap propaganda circulating in the social media. Thank you,” said Miguna, claiming he was not aware of the nomination.

Sonko’s surprise move to pick Miguna for the top city job stirred up political waters with leaders from the Jubilee Party, under which he was elected, opposing the decision.

“Miguna will not become the Deputy Governor of Nairobi. Take that to the bank,” Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja tweeted.

Miguna will not become the Deputy Governor of Nairobi. Take that to the bank.

— Sakaja Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) May 17, 2018

The Governor, however, remained unbowed saying he would pick another name for the seat, which fell vacant following the resignation of Polycarp Igathe in January 2018.

“The Constitution gives me the power to nominate my deputy so even if they reject Miguna’s name I will still submit another name,” said Sonko.