“There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics!”
The reality behind this often-used phrase once again played out on Tuesday when former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, in a surprise turn of events, joined President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Director-General Mohamed Badi to campaign together ahead of the upcoming August elections.
Sonko whose bid to vie for the Mombasa Governor seat was blocked by the electoral commission IEBC, appeared to eat humble pie as he heaped praise on President Kenyatta and Maj Gen. Badi; the two men he fiercely criticized and blamed for his woes that culminated in his impeachment from office.
The former Governor had joined President Kenyatta who was accompanied by other leaders on a working tour of Nairobi’s Eastlands area where he was also accorded a chance to address city residents.
In his address, Sonko thanked President Kenyatta for his service delivery, adding that for the time he was out of office, he (Sonko) had watched and seen how the Head of State had made progress in delivering on his mandate.
Sonko even took a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto who has been endearing himself to the youth by calling himself the ‘chief hustler’. While not mentioning his name, Sonko referred to the DP as a ‘fake’ hustler.
“Mimi ndio hustler wa mahustler wote duniani…yule mwingine ni bandia. Ningependa kushukuru mheshimiwa rais wetu Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. Kwa ile muda kidogo nimekua nje nimeona rais amechapa kazi. Huyu ni rais anajali maslahi ya watu wa Nairobi na Wakenya kwa jumla,” said Sonko.
“Tumetoka kule Mwiki, tumeona theatres and wards… Kila kitu imefunguka,” stated Sonko, further urging the President to open more hospitals and equip them with beds since during the current cold season many children might be sired.
During the tour, Kenyatta officially opened the Mwiki Level 3 Hospital, and also commissioned the Mihang’o Hospital, and presided over the issuance of title deeds at Muhuri Muchiri Stadium in Ruai.
At the same time, Sonko urged the city residents to support the Azimio coalition in the upcoming polls, for the continuation of the president’s legacy.
