NAIROBI: Governor Sakaja in Ksh1 Billion Legal Fee Clash with City Lawyer
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had a public disagreement with a lawyer from the city on Friday, April 19. The dispute centered around a purported payment of Ksh1 billion in after-service fees.
A thread on X (formerly known as Twitter) claimed that Sakaja and his County Assembly Budget Committee were accused by a lawyer of demanding a 50% share in the payment for legal services.
“They called and informed me that they would approve all my payments if I give them 50 percent of the sums I am owed. I told them, my fees are following The Advocates (Remuneration) Order & decreed by Court and I won’t pay a bribe,” he noted.
Sakaja dismissed the claims, stating that the lawyer was upset because the County rejected his proposal to handle a case for them.
“I have never spoken to you on your fees, neither have I ever sent anyone to you. If anything, I have resisted your overtures,” Sakaja replied.
“It’s unfathomable that one lawyer wants to be paid more than Ksh1 billion for a matter between governments.”
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The city attorney also warned of involving the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and clarified the legal procedures related to the payment of legal fees according to the nation’s laws.
“Even if you bribe Judicial Officers, you will waste your money as computation of legal fees is arithmetic and not guesswork! The law will pay me whether you like it or not. I will not pay you a 50 percent or 1 percent bribe,” the lawyer added.
Governor Sakaja has gained attention recently due to an Auditor General report that examined the spending of the Nairobi County Government for the fiscal year ending in June 2023.
The report suggests that Sakaja is accused of making unauthorized payments, including about Ksh10 billion in legal fees, to some Nairobi County employees.
“I have obtained all the information and explanations which, to the best of my knowledge and belief, were necessary for the audit,” stated Gathungu in her report.
“In my opinion, the financial statements do not present fairly the financial position of the County Executive of Nairobi City as of 30 June, 2023, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended.”
In a rejoinder, Sakaja clarified that the county paid Ksh287 million to lawyers.
NAIROBI: Governor Sakaja in Ksh1 Billion Legal Fee Clash with City Lawyer