By Prudence Minayo
On the 6th December 2019, a warrant of arrest was issued against the now largely ‘ceremonial’ Nairobi governor Mike Sonko which was executed commando style.
DPP Noordin Haji said at the time of the Governor’s impending arrest:
“I have ordered for the immediate arrest and arraignment of Sonko and other officials for the crimes of conflict of interest arising from having received money from the county of Nairobi while serving as governor, unlawful acquisition of public property, money laundering and other economic crimes…”
His tenure has been what many have termed as dysfunctional. Sonko handed over some duties to the national government in February 2020 ahead of his impeachment motion and in July.
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the establishment of Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) on the 18th of March 2020. This is a government agency given the responsibility of overseeing functions transferred to the national government by Mike Sonko and Major-General Mohammed Badi Ali was named the director of NMS.
Not much is known about the Major-General’s private life so below is a brief summary of his career.
Education
The NMS director holds a Masters of Science Degree in Strategic Studies.
Career
He has served in the military in various capacities and is a decorated Kenya Air force general who has served in a number of high positions and, therefore, has acquired a wealth of experience.
In 1999, during the Sierra Leone peace keeping mission, he served as the Deputy Commandant at the National Defense College (NDC), and as United Nations staff officer.
In July 2014, president Uhuru Kenyatta promoted him from a colonel to a Brigadier.
He was then made a senior airforce director at the National Defense College where he was charged with overseeing Kenya Air Force staff training.
Before becoming a senior director at NDC, Badi served as the Base Commander in charge of Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
In 2019, he was promoted to Major-General by the president. This paved the way for his role at National Defense College.
While speaking at State House, the president announced the roles of NMS.
“ The biggest problem that the city faces is corruption and cartels that have a vice-like grip. From the collection of garbage to issuance of permits, the cartels have made service delivery almost impossible.
Nairobians are hardworking and industrious people, for Nairobi to continue on this path, it is paramount that they get efficient and timely services.
This isn’t a one-man job, we must work together, I look forward to seeing positive results in the shortest time possible,” he said.
This means that the General, and his team have been tasked with bringing an end to the corruption that has taken over Nairobi and disband the cartels to ensure that the capital city thrives well. This should also be done within the shortest time frame possible.
