Police Surround City Hall to Arrest Sakaja Over Contempt of Parliament

Police officers on Monday evening launched a search for Johnson Sakaja after a Senate committee ordered his arrest over allegations of contempt of Parliament.

Authorities were reportedly stationed outside City Hall, Nairobi, for several hours as they attempted to locate the Nairobi governor. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, with reports indicating that Sakaja had already left the premises before police arrived.

Early information suggests that the governor may have been alerted about the planned arrest and quickly vacated his office.

Confirming the operation, Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the move followed directives from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).

“We are following orders issued by the Inspector General of Police and will take the necessary steps,” he stated.

The directive comes after the committee, chaired by Moses Kajwang, ordered Inspector General Douglas Kanja to produce Sakaja before the Senate by Monday, March 30.

The committee warned that failure to comply would lead to a resolution declaring the governor unfit to hold public office.

In addition, Sakaja was fined KSh 500,000 for failing to appear before the Senate committee despite being summoned.

The governor was expected to respond to concerns raised in an audit report, but his absence prompted the committee to adopt the Office of the Auditor-General Kenya report as presented. The report flagged Nairobi County over alleged financial irregularities and misuse of public funds.

The matter has attracted public attention, especially after it emerged that the governor has seven advisors, each reportedly earning a monthly salary of KSh 203,000.

Meanwhile, the Senate committee has also issued similar orders against Jonathan Lati Lelelit, who is expected to answer questions regarding his county’s financial management.

The situation remains tense as police continue efforts to trace Sakaja, with more developments expected.