Nairobi Governor Sakaja fires Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria in latest City Hall changes

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has removed Geoffrey Mosiria as the county’s Chief Officer for Public Participation, Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, barely months after the outspoken official declared his interest in challenging his boss for the governor’s seat.

In a letter on the reassignment and designation of county chief officers issued on Wednesday, County Secretary Machel Waikenda named Zipporah Njeri Mwangi, the Chief Officer for Culture, Arts and Tourism, as Mr Mosiria’s replacement.

The governor also appointed Samuel Njogu as acting Chief Officer for Mobility and Godfrey Akumali as Chief Officer for Housing. Mr Akumali will also serve as acting Chief Officer for Lands.

The changes come less than 10 months before the August 2027 General Election as officials in Mr Sakaja’s administration position themselves for various elective seats.

'Anticipated'

Mr Mosiria, who has declared his intention to run for the Nairobi governor seat, said he had anticipated his removal and would now focus on his political ambitions.

“Yes, I have been fired and I do not have an office currently. I have received the letter and I will now focus on the challenges ahead of making the city of Nairobi work,” he said.

Mr Mosiria was speaking during a live interview with NTV at Nation Centre when news of his removal emerged. He accused people around the governor of influencing Mr Sakaja against him, claiming that his performance had threatened those close to the county boss.

“The governor does not listen. He saw me working and thought I was outshining him. I was delivering on his agenda and there is nothing to apologise for. Hard work is part of me,” he said.

He also criticised the county’s handling of healthcare, arguing that Nairobi residents continued to suffer because of poor management and inadequate services.

Mr Mosiria cited problems at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, claiming that its intensive care unit (ICU) machine had broken down and remained unrepaired.

His removal follows months of public criticism of the governor’s administration, with Mr Mosiria accusing county officials of corruption, mismanagement and failing to address residents’ concerns.

In his recent interview with the Nation, Mr Mosiria said he would not resign, arguing that his position was a public office rather than a personal appointment that could be surrendered at another person’s demand.

He also said he had been sidelined by junior officers who feared being profiled if they accompanied him to county functions.

Mr Mosiria was first appointed a chief officer in 2022, when he was placed in charge of health facilities. He was transferred to the Environment docket in 2024 before being moved to Public Participation, Citizen Engagement and Customer Service during a county administration reshuffle in November 2025.

He has since declared his intention to unseat Mr Sakaja, accusing the governor of failing to meet the expectations of Nairobi residents. He has also said he is willing to work with the opposition to prevent the governor from securing a second term.

Hours before his removal, Mr Mosiria posted a message on social media criticising the state of the country and questioning the need for celebrations on Mashujaa Day, arguing that Kenyans were overburdened by economic hardships.

“Kenyans deserve answers, not empty promises. Our young people deserve jobs, our families deserve affordable food, and every Kenyan deserves a dignified life. Leadership must be measured by the lives it transforms, not the promises it makes,” he wrote.

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