Nairobi women leaders pile pressure on Governor Sakaja despite 60-day truce

A group of grassroots women leaders from Nairobi has called on Governor Johnson Sakaja to urgently address concerns raised by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), warning that they will not wait for the full 60-day reprieve granted by national leaders.

Operating under the banner of ‘Nairobi County Women Affairs,’ the leaders said they expect progress within two weeks, failure to which they will chart their own course of action.

“If we do not start seeing changes within two weeks, then we will announce our next course of action,” said chairlady Martha Miyandazi.

The women expressed support for the MCAs’ push to impeach Sakaja, insisting that allegations of mismanagement, stalled projects, and declining service delivery were legitimate and urgent.

“MCAs raised valid concerns over the state of Nairobi. It’s unfortunate the process was frustrated by outside interference, but we commend the MCAs for their courage,” Miyandazi added.

Bilha Joyce, coordinator for widows affairs, noted that poor governance disproportionately hurts women, especially those in informal settlements.

“When leadership fails, women bear the brunt. If our demands are not met, we will mobilise across all 17 constituencies to defend our right to a city that works,” she said.

Their remarks come days after President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga intervened to halt an impeachment motion against Sakaja that had drawn support from more than 90 MCAs. The two leaders secured a 60-day window for the Governor to respond to the grievances.

While the truce has been welcomed by several lawmakers—including Senators Tabitha Mutinda and Karen Nyamu, and MPs Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West) and Anthony Oluoch (Mathare)—the women leaders insist the city cannot afford to wait two months for action.

“The crisis in Nairobi demands faster, tangible reforms—not prolonged political negotiation,” Miyandazi stressed.