Sakaja Rejects Claims County Sponsored Protest Violence in Nairobi
Nairobi — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has denied claims that City Hall was behind the violent disruptions and destruction that marred protests in the city on Tuesday.
In a statement released Wednesday, Sakaja said Nairobi County has no connection to gangs, militias, or politically aligned groups accused of hijacking peaceful demonstrations to carry out criminal acts, including looting, vandalism, and arson.
“We categorically dissociate ourselves from any gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity,” Sakaja said.
He blamed the violence and destruction on individuals allegedly brought in from outside the city. According to Sakaja, the hired goons infiltrated the protests and caused widespread damage.
“I am deeply concerned by the scenes of vandalism, looting, and destruction of property that have marred Nairobi in recent days,” he added. “Businesses built over years of sacrifice have been vandalized, and public infrastructure paid for by taxpayers destroyed.”
Property damage and call for accountability
The governor estimated the total losses from the two protest days last Thursday and Tuesday at billions of shillings. He urged the National Police Service to arrest and prosecute the individuals responsible for the destruction.
“If those responsible are not brought to justice, there’s a risk of people taking matters into their own hands,” he warned.
Sakaja emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37, it must not come at the expense of public safety or livelihoods.
Condemnation of police shooting
The governor also condemned the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker, by a police officer during Tuesday’s protests. He urged investigators to fast-track inquiries into the incident and ensure accountability.
Sakaja warned against the manipulation of young people by political actors who, he said, were turning public protests into platforms for criminal agendas.
“We will not allow criminal elements to hijack our democratic space,” he stated. “Youth must not be used as pawns in political games that endanger lives and property.”
As protests continue to draw national attention, Sakaja called for calm, accountability, and respect for democratic rights without turning the city into a battlefield.
