Elachi resignation sparks speculations of complete NMS takeover

By Abednego Mwikya

The resignation of embattled Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi has triggered speculations that the Nairobi Metropolitan Service could take over more functions.

Ms Elachi resigned on Tuesday morning, a surprise move that has now complicated the politics of the city county. City hall, the premises that house the Nairobi County government, were cordoned off moments after her resignation.

“I would like to humbly tender my resignation to the president of Kenya and commander-in-chief of the defense forces Uhuru Kenyatta,” she told journalists.

Elachi appointed Deputy Speaker and Ruai Ward MCA John Kamangu to take over her roles.

“For the continuity of the institution, I point my deputy John Kamangu as the assembly prepares to recruit a new speaker,” she added.

Immediately after her resignation, Kenyans flocked online to give their opinions around the surprise resignation.

Majority where surprised that her resignation was addressed to President Kenyatta while others were quick to conclude Elachi could have landed a presidential appointment.

“Elachi’s resignation is part of Nairobi’s take over plan. She will soon be appointed to another bigger post,” posted a netizen on Facebook.

She resigns at a time the Nairobi Metropolitan Service has taken over key functions of the county government and whose performance has won it the confidence of the national government and Nairobi residents.

Elachi returned to the county assembly only last year after months of being away following a similar standoff with county assembly members.

The cordoning off of City Hall could mean Governor Mike Sonko will not be able to access his office, which would essentially complicate a leadership crisis that is already looming. The county has not had another deputy governor since the resignation of Polycarp Igathe in January 2018, and now there is no substantive speaker.

In her resignation statement, Elachi blamed Governor Sonko for the woes in bedeviling the assembly.

Through his spokesman Ben mulwa, Sonko said he would issue a statement on Elachi’s resignation later.