Nairobi residents are growing tired of the mess at City Hall, and a recent exposé by Cyprian Is Nyakundi has thrown the spotlight on what many now believe to be a deeply entrenched system of corruption under Johnson Sakaja’s leadership.
Nyakundi shared alarming details pointing at a network of well-protected insiders led by key officials like Asha Abdi and Charles Kerich. According to the information, massive sums of money are being paid out to companies like Emari Ventures with no proper verification, and anyone who tries to speak out is quickly silenced or kicked out of their role.
The rot appears to start at the top. Asha Abdi, the Chief Finance Officer, and Charles Kerich, who heads the Finance docket, have been named as the main people directing the county’s funds. They are allegedly working with Eston Kimathi, who serves as Acting CEO of the Ward Development Fund, to move millions to select companies without proper accountability. Emari Ventures alone reportedly pocketed seventy-two million shillings within just three months in 2024.
Asha Abdi. She’s the Chief Finance Officer
Part of that included a suspicious nineteen million shilling payment for a supposed social hall in Embakasi East. By the end of 2024, the same company had received over two hundred and thirty million shillings from the county.
Other names that come up in the allegations include Zonari Investment, which reportedly got more than twenty-one million, and Centreline Logistics, which received nearly eighty-nine million for work that allegedly was never done.
Despite these serious claims, Sakaja’s administration continues to dismiss all criticism. Asha Abdi defended the county, saying they had increased revenue by 32 percent, reaching over nine billion shillings by March 2024. But such numbers do nothing to erase the concerns.
Charles Kerich. He’s the County Executive Committee Member for Finance.
While the records might show more money collected, there’s little to show in terms of impact on roads, garbage collection, or basic services. Worse still, officers who question the system face harsh consequences.
People like Daniel Nguru and Martha Wambugu have reportedly been demoted or moved to irrelevant departments after raising issues. Caroline Wang’ang’a, now running the treasury, is said to report directly to Abdi, raising questions about checks and balances.
The story shared by Nyakundi also mentioned ward representatives being involved in these shady dealings. Ahmedgadar Mohamed Dabar from Eastleigh North Ward was called out, with an image of him shared while appearing to sleep during an important county sitting.
Eastleigh North, MCA Ahmedgadar Mohamed Dabar.
That single image captured the lack of seriousness with which leaders treat their duties. Other MCAs such as Kevin Musamia, Denis Muia, Vincent Muhanji, and Stephen Mafura have been linked to Asha Abdi’s circle and are said to benefit from the same questionable funds.
The pattern is clear. As each financial year ends, millions are pushed out the door under the excuse of settling bills. Many of the projects attached to those funds are either already completed or never even started. But the money keeps flowing, and the silence from Sakaja himself is deafening.
Instead of leading with integrity, his administration seems more interested in shielding corrupt allies and spinning narratives about performance.
City Hall was supposed to serve Nairobians, not enrich a few well-connected individuals. The allegations may still be debated in public, but the signs are everywhere. Garbage continues to pile up in estates, roads are broken, and city services are collapsing while insiders allegedly line their pockets. Under Sakaja’s leadership, Nairobi has become a playground for cartels and opportunists, and the few who dare to speak out are quickly swept aside. Without independent investigations and serious action, this cycle of looting and impunity will only continue.
