The deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and governor Mike Sonko to handover Nairobi City County to National Government was characterized by tough demands and an ambush on the part of the Nairobi County Government, details have revealed.
When Sonko left his home to come to the city, he was only prepared to meet Nairobi MCAs at his Upper Hill office and had no idea the day would end with his powers significantly neutered.
At around 11am, President Uhuru through State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua summoned Sonko to the house on the hill – giving him only 15 minutes to show up.
So unprepared was Sonko that he is reported to have won his suit and tie on the way to State House.
State House had also summoned acting County Secretary Justus Kathenge who was equally given a strict deadline.
At State House, Sonko and Kathenge found President Uhuru, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, and Leboo Morintat whom the Nairobi Governor had fired a day earlier from the position of County Secretary.
It was at the meeting that Sonko was informed that the only way to keep Nairobi County running was to hand over functions.
It is reported that Uhuru was keen to avoid a by-election in Nairobi which was likely to happen if Sonko was impeached in the process that had already kicked.
A by-election in Nairobi would drain the already struggling National Treasury.
