Sakaja Suspends Kerich, Analo Amid Corruption Allegations

Nairobi Governor Cracks Down on Corruption

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has suspended two senior officials, Patrick Analo and Charles Kerich, on suspicion of corruption and financial malfeasance. The move follows a sting operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

On Thursday, detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided Analo's residence in Syokimua and found Sh51,300,000 and $113,000, totaling Sh65,300,000. Other items seized included several title deeds, motor vehicle log books, laptops, land and motor vehicle sale agreements, approval plans, mobile phones, iPads, electronic accessories, and other documentary evidence.

Analo is suspected of accumulating assets that are disproportionate to his known legitimate sources of income. As Urban Planning Chief Officer for Nairobi County, Analo has been in charge of overseeing development projects and ensuring they adhere to regulatory requirements.

Charles Kerich, recently sentenced to three months in prison for contempt by the High Court for failure to settle a Sh106 million debt owed to a law firm, has also been suspended. Kerich was County Executive Member for Finance for Nairobi County, a position that has given him considerable influence over financial decisions.

Sakaja appointed Dominic Mutegi to oversee Urban Planning in an acting capacity. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya was appointed to oversee the Finance Docket in acting capacity.

In a statement, Sakaja said the county government would fully cooperate with investigators and stressed that corruption would not be tolerated under his administration. "Corruption has no place in public service," Sakaja said. "Every public officer is individually accountable for their actions and must be prepared to answer to the law where allegations arise."

Sakaja proposed the inclusion of an EACC liaison officer to strengthen oversight and public accountability in the county. The governor directed that pending the reconstitution of the committee, all development approval processes have been suspended. Urgent cases will be handled by the County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning, Patrick Mbogo, in accordance with the Physical and Land Use Planning Act.

The county has written to relevant agencies and professional bodies for their nominees to the committee. These include the Civil Aviation Authority, the Institute of Planners, the Architectural Association, the Engineers Board of Kenya, and representatives of Resident Associations. The Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company and other stakeholders will also be involved in the reconstitution of the committee.

This move is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects in Nairobi County. The county government will work closely with the EACC to ensure all officials involved in corrupt activities are brought to justice. Sakaja's commitment to transparency and accountability is a welcome development in the fight against corruption in Kenya. The governor's move is seen as a major crackdown on corruption in Nairobi County. Analo and Kerich's suspension is a clear indication that Sakaja is serious about tackling corruption in his administration.