Economy

Sonko stands by Miguna nomination

sonko

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Friday confirmed that he has nominated Dr Miguna Miguna as his deputy.

He said he picked him “to deal with cartels”.

In an interview with a local television station, Mr Sonko said if the county assembly rejects Dr Miguna, he will give another name.

“I admit I did not consult Dr Miguna. But I am empowered by the Constitution to nominate a deputy. Recently an advisory opinion by the Supreme Court said I should nominate one,” Mr Sonko said.

“The law does not say you should pick a Jubilee or Nasa member for that position and the spirit of the handshake should not be applied selectively and we are in the process of reconciliation.”

The governor said choice for the deputy county boss was driven by forgiveness and need for forging unity for the betterment of Nairobi County and the country at large.

Mr Sonko said the political differences he had with Dr Miguna, who was also a candidate in Nairobi gubernatorial contest, are over and it is time to improve the city.

“The electioneering period is over. If Nairobi MCAs, who I respect, deny him that chance, I will nominate another deputy,” Mr Sonko said.

Mr Sonko said he was unmoved by plans to impeach him as reported in a section of the media adding that he had not contravened any law to warrant such a decision.

Such plans, he said, are being arranged by a clique of people he accused of being against his leadership.

“Will I be impeached for nominating Miguna? What wrong have I done? This is not time to play politics but to focus on service delivery. And I have found the only person to help me dismantle the cartels is none other but Miguna," he said.