Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has explained that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja needs President William Ruto for protection.
Speaking at Vybez Radio on Wednesday, November 8, Babu Owino said Sakaja is close to the president because the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption (EACC) are after him.
“The DCI has written letters, summoned the county officials and accused the governor of being corrupt,” said Babu.
Besides, the MP alleged that in one case Governor Sakaja got money from the Controller of Budget and used it to pay non-existent companies instead of settling pending bills.
“There are big files at EACC about Sakaja, that is why the governor has decided to accompany President Ruto everywhere for protection,” said Babu Owino.
Furthermore, he asked Sakaja to deliver to the residents of Nairobi instead of misusing and misusing public resources.
“If you are a young person like me, deliver services to the people because you don’t need that much. You do not need to take from Nairobians or the position they have entrusted you with,” he added.
Babu Owino on Sakaja Performance
Also, Babu Owino accused Sakaja of being incompetent, arguing that he doesn’t even know his work as governor.
“You are the person responsible as governor, you’re the leader Nairobians elected to take of the city and offer services,” he said.
Further, the MP dismissed claims that the governor cannot deliver since he has been held ransom.
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“No ransom, it is lack of knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, and incompetence. Why can’t I be held at ransom in Embakasi East, I was ranked number one while Nairobi County was ranked number 43 out of 47 by the same Infotrak. That one only shows that the governor is incompetent,” he said.
Additionally, he criticized Sakaja for deceiving the public that he was collecting huge amounts of revenue during his first days in office.
The MP argued that he must keep checks and balances under the doctrine of separation of powers as a member of the National Assembly and resident of Nairobi.
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School Feeding Program
Again, Babu criticized Governor Sakaja for collecting money from parents to finance the school feeding program.
He revealed that the program is financed by the National government, county government and the French government.
“The National Assembly allocated Ksh.1.7 billion, Nairobi County set aside Ksh.1.2 billion and the French government gave it Ksh.1.6 billion totaling to Ksh.4.5 billion.
The governor is still collecting Khs.5 from parents daily for this program, this sums up to Ksh. 217 million per year. Where does he take this money,” said Babu Owino.
In addition, the MP said he has a problem with the management of the feeding program.
Further, he advised that the program should be left for the school management and not the county government.
Also, he attacked Sakaja for constructing ten kitchens at Ksh. 500 million even though all the primary schools have well equipped kitchens.
Sakaja’s Reaction
In a previous response to Babu’s claims, Governor Sakaja dismissed the allegations as political propaganda.
While defending the school feeding program, Sakaja explained that schools included have been getting their meals throughout the first phase.
“80,000 children are already enjoying meals at Ksh.5 on the phased implementation,” said Sakaja.
He accused Babu Owino of using Nairobi children in his 2027 political scheme.
“Sadly, premature 2027 aspirants are determined that it should not work that they even want to harm our children,” said Sakaja.
Sakaja said the second stage will reach more than Ksh.190,000 children while the third phase hit the targeted 250,000 school children.