Who Is in the Office at 7pm? – Sakaja Blasts IG Kanja After Arrest Drama

Who Is in the Office at 7pm? – Sakaja Blasts IG Kanja After Arrest Drama

Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed claims that he went into hiding to evade arrest after police officers surrounded his offices at City Hall on Monday evening, terming the incident unnecessary and politically charged.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 31, after presenting himself before the Senate, the governor sought to clarify his whereabouts during the dramatic police operation and reaffirm his willingness to cooperate with oversight authorities. Sakaja had been expected to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, but failed to attend, prompting police action.

Addressing the Senate, Sakaja strongly refuted assertions that he had deliberately avoided both the committee and law enforcement. He maintained that by the time officers arrived at City Hall, he had already left after a full day’s work, emphasizing that the operation took place outside official working hours.

“Who is in the office at 7 pm? They were looking for me, yet I am here at the Senate as required. I have no problem with the Senate. There is just an issue that needs to be resolved. I have nothing to run away from,” Sakaja stated.

The governor explained that his decision to personally appear before the Senate was aimed at dispelling speculation surrounding his absence and demonstrating his respect for parliamentary oversight processes. He described himself as a law-abiding public servant committed to accountability.

“I came to the Senate to meet the leadership and members of the committee. First, I am a law-abiding citizen,” he added.

Police officers had earlier camped at City Hall in an attempt to arrest Sakaja over his failure to honour the CPAC summons. The move sparked debate over the relationship between county governments and the Senate, particularly regarding the procedures governing oversight.

Sakaja, however, defended his absence from the committee, citing a collective resolution by the Council of Governors (CoG), which had raised concerns about appearing before CPAC under the current framework. According to him, governors had been advised to first address institutional disagreements before engaging the committee.

“When the CoG raised issues regarding that specific committee, we were guided that those concerns be resolved first. Accountability is important, but it must be undertaken in the right way,” Sakaja explained.

The governor revealed that he had since initiated consultations with both Senate leadership and the Council of Governors in a bid to de-escalate tensions and establish a structured approach to accountability. He stressed the need for a system that ensures transparency without what he described as “unnecessary drama.”

Despite the standoff, Sakaja reiterated his readiness to appear before the committee once the underlying issues are resolved, signaling a willingness to cooperate within a mutually agreed framework.

Earlier in the day, the Council of Governors issued a statement condemning the attempted arrest, describing it as an escalation that could undermine intergovernmental relations. The body called for the immediate withdrawal of arrest warrants issued against Sakaja and Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelit.

The unfolding dispute highlights growing tensions between county leadership and national oversight institutions, raising questions about the balance between accountability and the autonomy of devolved units. As negotiations continue, attention now shifts to whether both sides can reach a resolution that upholds constitutional mandates while preserving institutional harmony

ALSO READ: Treasury to Include PAYE Review in Finance Bill 2026, CS Mbadi Confirms

Who Is in the Office at 7pm? – Sakaja Blasts IG Kanja After Arrest Drama