Deonysias Mwangi Waithira, the elected representative for Githurai Ward in Nairobi’s County Assembly, has resigned, escalating the tensions between city MCAs and Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration.
In a letter dated September 17, addressed to County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Okeyo Ng’ondi and obtained by Business Today, Waithira, a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), cited “systemic failures” in delivering essential services and development projects as the reason for his resignation.
The MCA, who has been serving since the assembly’s third term began after the August 2022 polls, further critically framed his departure as a stand for his constituents in Githurai, a densely populated ward struggling with poor infrastructure and basic services.
“These are not mere personal concerns but the sovereign aspirations of the people of Githurai Ward,” Waithira wrote, referencing public consultations that shaped the county’s fiscal and development strategies that have failed to be implemented.
In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke, he called the decision “one of the most difficult” of his life, driven by the county’s neglect of Githurai Ward despite his persistent advocacy. “The aspirations of Githurai’s people, expressed through public forums and county plans, have remained unfulfilled promises on paper,” he said.
His resignation, which will be effective on November 1, follows weeks of mounting friction between Nairobi’s County Assembly members and Governor Sakaja.
Recently, several MCAs attempted to start impeachment proceedings against Sakaja, accusing him of failing to deliver development projects in the county’s Integrated Development Plan, delaying ward-level funds, and ignoring assembly resolutions.
Under Kenya’s Constitution, an MCA may resign by submitting a written letter to the Assembly Speaker, which Waithira has done.
The outgoing MCA is planning to hold a press conference to explain his decision and outline his next steps.
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