Embattled governor could rise to presidency
By Jeremiah Mutuanga
 |
| Nairobi governor Mike Sonko (right) and Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director, General Mohammed Badi when the two established a truce in Nairobi in August 2020. |
It never ceases to amaze me how Mike Sonko, alias Gedion Mbuvi (pun intended) manages to always spring back after seemingly fatal falls.
Not once, not twice has the Nairobi governor come face to face with the possibility of bankruptcy, imprisonment and disgrace. It is alleged that he once escaped from prison and gotten away with it.
"This enigma might become president in future" - Harsh Prophet
His very dramatic arrest several months ago after being accused of embezzlement had seemed to be his ultimate destruction. He was shamefully cornered and captured as he ran away from the law, a feat that had the 'committee of wickedness' (Kamati ya roho chafu) gloating in the inevitability of his downfall.
It is therefore mind boggling how today he is back to his former glory after orchestrating a truce between himself and Major General Mohammed Badi of Nairobi Metropolitan Services.
Incidentally or 'coincidentally' rather, Sonko's reconciliation with his assumed nemesis took place in the presence of the president.
"This enigma might become president in future" - Harsh Prophet
The newly ressurrected governor vowed to henceforth work hand in hand with the NMS boss and President Uhuru Kenyatta in making Nairobi shine.
Talk of blessing in disguise! What had initially appeared to be the end of Sonko suddenly turned into a blessing, with the shrewd businessman retaining the title of Governor while the dirty work of correcting his mistakes is done for him by General Badi.
It won't come as a surprise then, when Sonko soon takes credit for every good turn of events in Nairobi while conveniently blaming the good General for anything that may go wrong.
With this level of tenacity coupled with super streetsmartness - and without overlooking his phenomenal entry into politics as an MP then rising to Senator before becoming Governor - it will not come as a surprise either, if this man rises to become president in future.
