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Why Sonko has rejected Sh25m swearing-in loot


The Nairobi Governor-elect Mike Sonko has rejected Sh25 million set aside by assumption of office committee for his inauguration ceremony.

Mr Sonko has, instead, directed that the money be used to offset the one-month arrears owed to the county employees.

Through a statement after meeting union officials, Mr Sonko directed that the money be paid to the workers within 48 hours.

This will avert a planned strike by the workers over the nonpayment.

“We had a fruitful meeting with Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) and agreed workers must be paid before I assume office,” said Mr Sonko.

REMOVAL OF POSTERS

The Assumption of Office committee had set aside Sh2.4 million for fuel of VIP cars, security Sh6.3 million, works Sh2.7million, swearing–in ceremony Sh11.1 million, public health Sh384,900 and briefing and documentation Sh2 million.

Mr Sonko did not explain how he will be sworn in without the budget.

At the same time, Mr Sonko has said that he would contract more than 1,000 youths, including members of the Sonko Rescue Team to remove posters of candidates of the just concluded elections and other litter.

The youths will also give the city “a fresh coat of paint” as he waits to set up the team that will manage the City of Nairobi for the next five years.

BOYCOTT WORK

The governor-elect also said that he is happy that Nairobians disregarded the call by Nasa leader Raila Odinga to boycott work.

He called on the residents to stay calm and continue with the activities and not to heed to any calls for demonstrations.

“Raila has no authority to declare any day a holiday. We, therefore, ask Kenyans to ignore the calls and continue with their activities as usual,” said Mr Sonko.

“We need to put elections behind us. We assure the residents that we shall provide maximum security everywhere within the county.”