- Addressing the issue of the Energy committee, the governor explained that when he could not attend the meetings, he had personally communicated with the committee chair to reschedule.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has responded to allegations of absenteeism from Senate meetings, asserting that he has been actively participating in Senate sessions even more frequently than his predecessors.
Speaking on Citizen TV on April 16, 2024, Sakaja refuted claims that he had been out of the country and had been present in Nairobi. He further emphasized that the Senate had been aware of his recent trip.
Contrary to accusations of non-attendance, Sakaja asserted, "I have attended Senate meetings more than 11 times, more than any governor in the last one year. And I don’t think they don’t know where to find me. Out of the 14 or so invites, I have only missed two in the last year."
Addressing the issue of the Energy committee, the governor explained that when he could not attend the meetings, he had personally communicated with the committee chair to reschedule.
"The two times we've had to reschedule, I have spoken to the chair himself. On one occasion, I was with him at a funeral. When you reschedule a meeting, you actually have a discussion," Sakaja clarified.
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However, Governor Sakaja now faces a fine of Sh1 million for allegedly disregarding Senate summons. The Senate Energy Committee, led by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, has imposed this fine in addition to a previous fine of Sh500,000.
The committee had initially summoned Sakaja to explain a gas explosion in the Mradi area of Embakasi in February. The blast resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries to over 300 people, and substantial damage to properties.
In response to the fines and the committee's insistence on his appearance, the committee has requested the Inspector General of Police to arrest Governor Sakaja and present him before the committee on April 25, 2024.
