Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has strongly denied claims that he orchestrated violence during last week’s protest in the capital, saying the accusations are part of a wider political smear campaign.
In a video message released on Sunday, Sakaja called the allegations “false, malicious, and politically motivated.” He said those pointing fingers at him were trying to tarnish his name for their own political gain.
“I have never and will never sponsor violence of any kind,” Sakaja said. “My entire political life has been anchored on siasa safi—clean politics.”
His statement comes amid growing public anger after the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, which sparked protests in Nairobi’s central business district. Demonstrators clashed with police, while gangs reportedly infiltrated the crowd, causing further chaos and damaging property.
Sakaja insisted he had no role in the violence and suggested that his political opponents were responsible for hiring the groups that disrupted the protests.
“My record speaks for itself,” he said. “These accusations are not just false—they are a desperate move by a few well-known individuals whose careers thrive on violence and chaos. They’ve gone as far as hiring goons to infiltrate peaceful protests and create the illusion that I’m behind it all.”
He also accused the unnamed politicians of misusing county-branded items during the protests to make it seem like the violence had official backing.
“Let me be clear: nothing could be further from the truth. These rogue politicians are hijacking serious issues for their selfish ends. Nairobians, don’t be fooled,” he said.
Sakaja’s remarks come just days ahead of fresh demonstrations planned for Wednesday, June 25. The protests will mark one year since the June 2024 clashes, in which several young people lost their lives. Organisers say this week’s protests will honour their memory and continue to call out police brutality.
The governor’s statement has divided opinion. Some residents support his defence, while others demand a fuller investigation into who was behind the violence. Civil society groups have urged calm but are also calling for transparency and accountability from all public officials.
As pressure builds, both from protesters and political rivals, all eyes are now on how the county government and national security forces will respond to Wednesday’s events.
