Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has sharply criticised the cooperation agreement signed between President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, describing it as a “hostile takeover” of county functions and an assault on devolution.
Owino’s Remarks
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Owino accused the national government of illegally assuming key county responsibilities without proper consultation.
“Today I want to comment on the hostile takeover of certain key functions of the county government of Nairobi, which were transferred to the national government. This process was illegally done,” Owino said.
The MP, who has declared interest in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race, questioned why public participation was scheduled after the agreement had already been signed, calling the move unconstitutional and rushed.
He also accused Governor Sakaja of betraying Nairobi residents:
“The Governor, in his wisdom or lack of the same, agreed to transfer responsibilities which were bestowed on him by Nairobians. Nairobians trusted the wrong person.”
Owino warned that transferring functions such as roads, water, street lighting, and garbage collection would only create “new corruption.”
Accountability Demands
The legislator further demanded accountability over Nairobi’s own-source revenue, alleging that the county government had little control over the system. He pledged to table a dossier on the matter in Parliament.
The Agreement
The deal, signed on Tuesday, allows the national government to inject Ksh. 80 billion into Nairobi City County to strengthen service delivery. A joint steering committee, chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, will oversee implementation in four key sectors: housing, roads, water provision, and waste management.
Both Ruto and Sakaja have denied that the agreement amounts to a transfer of functions, insisting it is a collaboration permitted under the Constitution.
Growing Opposition
Criticism of the deal is mounting. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also raised legal concerns, arguing that the agreement undermines devolution and public participation. He noted that the 14-day window for public input was inadequate and accused the national government of dominating the steering committee.
“From its structure, the Governor will be subservient to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, making Sakaja the new Deputy Governor for all intents and purposes,” Sifuna said.
Conclusion
The Ruto–Sakaja agreement has sparked a heated debate over devolution, accountability, and governance in Nairobi. While the national government frames it as a collaborative effort to improve services, critics argue it undermines constitutional principles and risks eroding public trust.
