Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is enduring probably the most challenging period of his decades-long political career.
Barred from exercising the powers of his office as part of bail term that secured his freedom last week, and with a probability of impeachment, the next few days will be Sonko's make or break moment. But is his a self-inflicted problem?
After the resignation of his deputy Polycarp Igathe in early 2018, Nairobi County has operated without a Deputy Governor for nearly two years.
The numerous calls for Sonko to appoint a deputy have gone futile as the governor singlehandedly ran the show. Did he fear for his position if he appointed a deputy?
As Nairobi nears paralysis due to power vacuum, the governor might be regretting his actions not to pick a deputy in time.
If Nairobi had a Deputy Governor, there wouldn't have been any cause of an alarm. But now, the consequences of Sonko's actions are about to be felt. Probably, he will be another victim of his own actions.
Nairobi County Assembly Members now accuse him of holding the county hostage. And they are about to act in a very ruthless way- impeaching him. And if the axe falls, Sonko could be destroyed forever, never to recover again.
With a possibility of a fresh election in Nairobi, there is no possibility that Sonko can even make it to the ballot. And if he does, there is no guarantee that his loyal followers will vote for him again.