The recent drama surrounding Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto’s chapati project for schools has exposed the misplaced priorities of the county government.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale openly criticized Sakaja, questioning his focus on food instead of tackling Nairobi’s deeper problems. Khalwale, known for his outspoken nature, did not hold back as he dismissed Sakaja’s obsession with feeding schoolchildren instead of addressing the city’s crumbling infrastructure and worsening security situation.
During Senate hearings, Khalwale pushed for bold, futuristic projects such as electric trains to boost trade and connectivity, while sharply rebuking Sakaja for engaging in public relations stunts. He reminded Sakaja that the role of a governor is to build and expand the economy, not to act like a school caterer.
According to Khalwale, Nairobi’s problems go far beyond what is on children’s plates. Instead of talking about chapatis, Sakaja should be focusing on underpasses and overpasses, crucial projects that would transform the city and create jobs. He made it clear that a properly functioning city would naturally allow residents to earn a living and provide for their families without relying on government handouts.
Sakaja’s response to the backlash only reinforced his critics’ views. On March 11, during a visit to St. Teresa Girls’ Secondary School in Mathare, he eagerly entertained the students’ request to add chapatis to the school feeding program, promising to involve President Ruto in securing a chapati-making machine.
This was met with mockery across social media, with many Kenyans questioning why a leader tasked with running the capital city of East Africa’s largest economy was focusing on bread and chapatis instead of more pressing issues.
Despite the public ridicule, Sakaja and Ruto proceeded with their campaign, making a show of serving chapatis at Toi Primary School in Kibra on March 14.The chapati controversy is just the latest example of Sakaja’s failure to deliver on meaningful development for Nairobi residents.
Earlier in the year, Khalwale had already blasted him over the chaotic state of the city’s transportation system and the rising wave of crime in the Central Business District.
Muggings and robberies have increased under Sakaja’s watch, yet instead of fixing security, he is busy making school meal promises. His leadership has been characterized by misplaced priorities, endless publicity stunts, and little action to improve the city’s infrastructure.
The people of Nairobi deserve a governor who takes their issues seriously. Instead of feeding schoolchildren with publicity stunts, Sakaja should focus on fixing the broken roads, improving public transport, and ensuring security for all residents. If he continues down this path, Nairobians may soon realize they elected a leader more interested in theatrics than actual governance.
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