Sakaja Demotes Mosiria to Customer Service Docket

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has carried out a major reshuffle of his cabinet, reassigning ten chief officers across key departments.

The changes come less than two months after Sakaja survived an impeachment attempt and signal an effort to reinforce control within his administration amid ongoing tensions with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs). One of the most significant moves is the transfer of Geoffrey Mosiria from the Environment docket to Customer Service. 

Mosiria has been one of the county’s most visible officials, using social media platforms such as TikTok and X to mobilise residents against illegal dumping and to promote community clean-up efforts. His reassignment is widely viewed as a reduction of his influence over Nairobi’s waste management at a time when the city continues to face persistent environmental problems.

The reshuffle also affects officials who have been the subject of longstanding controversy. Lydia Mathia, formerly responsible for Housing and Urban Renewal, has been moved to Business and Hustler Opportunities despite repeated calls from MCAs for her removal. Mathia has faced allegations of unlawful evictions in estates including Woodley, where residents reported harassment during forced removals. 

A County Assembly resolution seeking her ouster led her to obtain court protection, and Sakaja’s decision to retain her indicates resistance to Assembly pressure.

Finance and Planning Chief Officer Asha Abdi, another frequent target of MCA criticism, will also remain in her role. 

Her retention underscores the governor’s challenge of balancing loyalty to his team with demands from political allies who have questioned aspects of his leadership. These concerns were reiterated during a recent meeting at State House chaired by President William Ruto, where UDA-affiliated MCAs voiced their dissatisfaction with Sakaja’s cabinet decisions.

Other adjustments include the deployment of Godfrey Akumali from Trade to Housing and Urban Development while he continues to serve as Acting County Secretary. Tony Michael Kimani moves to Social Services and Estate Management. 

Hibrahim Otieno returns to the Environment docket, replacing Mosiria, and Sande Oyolo shifts to Medical Facilities after leaving the Digital Economy portfolio. Wilson Gakuya takes over Digital Economy, Clement Rapudo assumes the Smart Nairobi role, and Zipporah Mwangi moves from Customer Service to City Culture. 

Dr Machel Waikenda, Chief Officer for Mobility, has been given interim oversight of ICT.