Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called for the immediate suspension of a controversial KSh 80 billion agreement involving President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, citing alleged legal and procedural violations. Sifuna argues that the multi-billion-shilling deal was initiated and advanced without proper adherence to statutory requirements, including public participation and oversight approvals. According to the senator, projects of such magnitude must comply fully with procurement laws, intergovernmental frameworks, and constitutional safeguards meant to protect public resources. He warned that proceeding with the agreement in its current form could expose taxpayers to financial risk and set a dangerous precedent in public project implementation.
Demand for Transparency and Accountability
The lawmaker is now pushing for the deal to be shelved pending a comprehensive legal review. Sifuna insists that all documentation relating to the agreement be made public, including:
- Contractual frameworks
- Financing arrangements
- Implementing partners
- Procurement processes
- Oversight approvals
He maintains that transparency is critical to ensure the project serves the interests of Nairobi residents rather than private entities.
Concerns Over Devolution Mandate
The senator further questioned whether the agreement respects the constitutional division of roles between the national and county governments. He noted that while collaboration between the two levels of government is permissible, it must be structured within clear legal frameworks that safeguard county autonomy and accountability.
Political and Public Reactions
The deal has already sparked debate among political leaders and sections of the public, with supporters arguing it could accelerate infrastructure development, while critics echo Sifuna’s concerns over legality and public participation. Calls are growing for parliamentary and county assembly scrutiny to determine whether the agreement meets legal thresholds before implementation begins.
What Happens Next
Sifuna has indicated he may pursue legal and legislative avenues to halt the project if due process is not followed. The coming weeks are expected to see increased scrutiny of the KSh 80 billion pact as oversight bodies weigh in on its legality and structure.
