Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has denied allegations that he and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are at odds.

During an interview, Sakaja stated that DP Gachagua is his senior and a good leader who deserves recognition.

PHOTO | COURTESY Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja

“I have no differences with the deputy president. He is a senior man who is respected, he has been in politics, and even though he got us by politics after us, he came in and became popular. He is a good leader who should be respected,” he said.

Sakaja also stated that he respects Gachagua as a leader.

“I've never spoken ill of him. I have never mentioned him. I respect him as our leader, vice president, and deputy party leader,” said Sakaja.

There have been allegations of conflict between DP Gachagua and the Nairobi governor over his recent campaign for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party presidency in Nairobi.

The governor earlier denied reports that some ruling party members pressured him to withdraw his candidature.

PHOTO | COURTESY Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja

During an interview on April 25, Sakaja stated that he is still in the race and would not cave to pressure.

"I'm not a leader who succumbs to pressure. If there was pressure, I would not have been governor of Nairobi and I don't know where they assume it is coming from... I have heard the rumours," he said, speaking to Inooro TV.

He declared his candidature on 19 April during a meeting with UDA Members of the County Assembly.

"I want you to get this from the horse's mouth; I'm vying for the Nairobi chairmanship position in the United Democratic Alliance party," Sakaja told reporters at the time.