Igathe: I will beat Sakaja by 8:57am, but will work with him

Nairobi County governor aspirant Polycarp Igathe now says that he is open to working with his perceived main rival for the seat, Senator Johnson Sakaja, should the corporate honcho-turned-politician occupy City Hall's corner office after the August 9 election.

Igathe spoke in Nairobi on Thursday when the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) presented him with the Private Sector Economic Manifesto for Nairobi County.

The manifesto emphasizes eight thematic areas where the private sector wants changed, on how the capital city is governed including e-government, compliance and enforcement, healthcare, competitiveness, jobs creation as well as culture, and social inclusion.

In his address Igathe confidently stated that he would floor Sakaja at the ballot and become Nairobi's next governor.

He however underscored that there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics, only permanent interests, noting that should the opportunity present itself he would be willing to hold out an olive branch to Sakaja and work with him for the benefit of Nairobi residents.

"Johnson Sakaja is a worthy competitor, but he is not my enemy. He is a just Kenyan who is putting himself up for candidature just as I have. When I win on August 10, I will work with him. I will consult him because I am beating him at 8:57am," said Igathe.  

"Let’s not fight, let us continue to listen to one another and campaign in peace. We are one united indivisible country called Kenya and politics is not enmity."

He correspondingly stated that during the first 100 days in office, his administration will create a fit-for-purpose county government with motivated staff and cabinet to deliver on his vision of Nairobi.

He further stated that he will institute a five-year score card pegged on a yearly performance agreement with the public.

“The work of a leader is to find solutions and not amplify problems. Give me a performance agreement to work with to deliver the scorecard that will be based on my manifesto for Nairob,” said Igathe.

Igathe also committed to delivering zero hunger, decent jobs, and well-being for Nairobi residents as the priority of his performance agreement focusing on three areas; the Society, the Economy, and the Environment, or (SEE).

He likewise added that his government will institute a 'Linda Jamii’ social protection program geared towards improving and uplifting the sprawling informal settlements in Nairobi.

This among other initiatives, Igathe said, would be delivered via a Nairobi County Foundation that will aggregate ideas, resources, and development agenda with the private sector and other stakeholders.