Led by a prominent blogger, the reports claimed that Sakaja was unceremoniously removed from the plane hours before President Ruto jetted out of the country.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday, September 2 denied reports of being thrown out of a plane that flew President William Ruto and his delegation to China for the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit hosted by Xi Jinping.
This high-profile event, which brings together African Heads of State, Chinese leaders, and the African Union Commission, is aimed at enhancing Sino-African relations and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
During his visit to Beijing, President Ruto will participate in several other high-profile meetings and events to further strengthen Kenya-China relations and explore new areas of collaboration.
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto pose for a photo with Chinese President President Xi Jinping and First Lady, Peng Liyuan in Beijing on October 17, 2023. /PCS
Led by a prominent blogger, the reports claimed that Sakaja was unceremoniously removed from the plane hours before President Ruto jetted out of the country.
However, the county boss who spoke during while at the launch of Phase 3 of the ‘Dishi Na County School Feeding Program’ in Umoja 1 Primary School dismissed the claims, clarifying that he was not scheduled to travel abroad in the first place.
“There’s a lot of propaganda. I hear people saying I’ve been removed from a plane, which plane and I had this function here today? So forget those things that you see, focus on work,” Sakaja clarified.
At the same time, he denied reports that he was being lined up for impeachment, terming them baseless distractions and emphasising that his administration is still committed to keeping its promises to Nairobi residents.
While addressing the audience, he highlighted the progress his administration has made, including the successful launch of 17 kitchens in 17 sub-counties. “We will not be distracted by naysayers. Our focus is on delivering what we promised,” he asserted.
Rumours had gone around the internet as well as some media outlets claiming that Members of the County Assembly (MCA) in County number 47 were preparing an impeachment motion against him.
“We have a mandate, and we don’t have time for rumours. Our priority is to work for our people, not to engage in gossip,” Sakaja reiterated.
Governor Sakaja also praised President Ruto’s collaboration with Raila Odinga, noting that his administration has been successful despite having a minority in the county assembly.
“Many were sceptical about my decision to work with the opposition, but now it’s clear that we have a national government of inclusivity that will deliver. We fully support that,” he said.
Regarding the China trip, reports claimed that Raila would join Ruto in the crucial meeting in China. Elkanah Odembo, co-chair of Raila’s African Union Commission chairmanship campaign secretariat, was reported to have confirmed the statesman’s attendance.
