Activist wants Chief Officer Michael Waikenda out of office

Concerned citizens and human rights activists have filed a constitutional petition seeking the removal of Dr. Machel Waikenda from his position as Chief Officer in charge of Mobility and Works at Nairobi City County.

The petition, filed as Constitutional Petition No. 055 of 2026 in the High Court at Nairobi (Constitutional & Human Rights Division), accuses Dr. Waikenda of gross misconduct, abuse of office, corruption, and violations of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, among other laws.

Petitioners Abu Khalif and Mike Rono, described as concerned Kenyan citizens and activists associated with a youth organization based in Kilimani, Nairobi, claim that Dr. Waikenda has been implicated in irregularities surrounding ongoing pavement renovation works in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

According to the petition documents, allegations include:

Irregular awarding of contracts to some contractors despite substandard or incomplete works.

Suspected receipt of millions in kickbacks from contractors involved in road and pavement projects across the city.

Approval for the removal of pavements constructed by NMS (likely a contractor) in the 2021-2022 financial year, which reportedly cost taxpayers millions, despite the pavements being in good condition less than four years later.

Facilitating or tolerating bribery and illegal clamping practices by junior officers in the mobility sector, leading to revenue loss.

Favoritism toward business people from his community in allocating matatu (public service vehicle) parking and loading spaces in peak areas, while denying similar opportunities to others.

Diversion of loading zones revenue to private accounts with the help of rogue parking attendants.

The petitioners argue that these actions have caused massive inconvenience to pedestrians and businesses in the CBD due to poor workmanship, delays, and repeated reconstructions in the same sections.

They describe the situation as an unfolding scandal that has embarrassed Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, which has publicly committed to fighting corruption and public fund wastage.

The petition invokes multiple articles of the Constitution, including those on national values and principles of governance (Article 10), equality and freedom from discrimination (Article 27), leadership and integrity (Chapter Six), and the interpretation of the Constitution to promote good governance (Article 259).

It also cites contraventions of the County Governments Act 2012, the Fair Administrative Action Act 2015, the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012, and the Public Officer Ethics Act (Cap 185B).