Robert Alai has sharply criticized Edwin Sifuna following the senator’s opposition to the cooperation agreement between the Nairobi County Government and the Government of Kenya, escalating the political dispute over governance and service delivery in the capital.
Speaking after Sifuna urged President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja to shelve the pact, the Kileleshwa ward MCA accused the senator of inconsistency and failing to exercise effective oversight.
Sifuna had argued that Nairobi’s problems could be resolved through constitutional measures, including settling debts owed to the county and strengthening devolution.
Alai dismissed the senator’s stance, claiming it was politically convenient. He alleged that Sifuna had only “suddenly woken up” to Nairobi’s needs despite longstanding service delivery concerns affecting residents.
The MCA further accused the senator of conflict of interest, alleging he maintains close ties with the governor while drawing a public salary to provide oversight at the Senate.
According to Alai, such circumstances undermine accountability and blur the separation of roles between county leadership and oversight institutions.
In addition, Alai criticized the media environment surrounding the debate, arguing that the senator benefits from favorable coverage and avoids scrutiny on his legislative responsibilities.
He claimed public discourse has been shaped more by political loyalty and social media slogans than by substantive questions on governance and accountability.
Sifuna had proposed alternative solutions to Nairobi’s challenges, including compelling national government agencies to clear more than KSh 100 billion owed to the county, transferring devolved functions fully to counties, and redirecting road agency budgets to Nairobi to manage infrastructure directly.
He also highlighted delays in disbursement of shareable revenue as a major impediment to service delivery.
The exchange reflects growing divisions among Nairobi leaders over the cooperation agreement, which supporters say will streamline services and restore efficiency, while critics warn it could erode devolution gains.