Gachagua criticises Sakaja over poor Nairobi drainage amid El Niño concerns

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lambasted Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over the poor condition of the capital's drainage system, raising concerns about the county's preparedness amid fears of El Niño conditions returning to Kenya. During a speech in Spokane, Washington, on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Gachagua pointed out that Nairobi's drainage infrastructure is insufficient to handle heavy rainfall, warning that residents could face significant difficulties if the predicted rains arrive in the city.

Comparing the situation in the US with Nairobi, Gachagua remarked that "you cannot even know [the rain] because of the drainage," contrasting the inadequate drainage in Kenya with better-managed systems elsewhere. He criticized the local authorities for not proactively implementing measures to address the drainage issues, instead of waiting for heavy rains to occur before taking action.

Gachagua specifically accused Governor Sakaja of failing to comprehend the challenges faced by the capital, describing the Nairobi governor as "clueless" and lacking understanding of what is happening in the city. He highlighted the inadequacy of the city's drainage system in managing increased water volumes during periods of heavy rainfall, questioning the governor's ability to manage the situation effectively.

The criticism is expected to escalate political scrutiny of Nairobi County's administration, particularly in relation to its handling of drainage, flooding, and disaster preparedness. Nairobi has historically battled flooding during intense rainfall, with poor drainage, blocked waterways, and inadequate storm-water infrastructure contributing to the problem in various parts of the city.

Gachagua's remarks come as authorities and residents remain apprehensive about the potential impact of the anticipated El Niño rains, especially in urban areas where flooding can quickly disrupt transportation, businesses, and households. El Niño-related rains are expected to affect 46 of Kenya's 47 counties, raising concerns about the country's ability to cope with flooding and other weather-related consequences.

The broad geographical reach of the anticipated rains exacerbates the pressure on national and county governments to bolster drainage systems, emergency response measures, and other preparedness efforts ahead of the upcoming rainy season.