Sakaja Denies Ties to Protest Violence, Blames Political Rivals for Smear Campaign
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has denied allegations that he funded or organized violent gangs during protests in the city’s central business district last week. The demonstrations erupted following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under unclear circumstances.
In a video message released Sunday, Sakaja labeled the claims against him as “false, malicious and politically motivated.” He accused his political enemies of using the protests to undermine his leadership.
“For the record, I have never and will never sponsor violence of any kind,” Sakaja said. “My entire political life has been anchored on siasa safi,” he added, referencing a call for clean, issue-based politics.
The protests dubbed justice for Ojwang, which began peacefully, turned chaotic when masked groups disrupted the procession and clashed with police. Multiple social media posts accused Sakaja of hiring the individuals seen attacking protesters and causing destruction.
In his response, Sakaja claimed he knows the individuals who infiltrated the protests and accused them of using known tactics to stain his public image. “These accusations are a desperate attempt by certain well-known individuals, whose political careers are marked by violence, intimidation, and chaos,” he said.
Sakaja also alleged that county-branded gear was distributed during the chaos to create a false link between the violence and the Nairobi County Government. “That was a deliberate ploy to mislead the public,” he said. “Let us not allow rogue politicians to hijack serious matters for selfish gain.”
The accusations surfaced amid growing national anger over police conduct and accountability. The June 2024 demonstrations left multiple people dead, and protest organizers plan to hold a national memorial march on Wednesday, June 25, to honor the victims.
Protesters have promised to continue pressing for justice and reforms, especially around police use of force and the government’s response to civic dissent.
Sakaja’s statement comes as tensions remain high, with fresh protests expected in the capital and other towns. The governor has called for calm and urged Nairobi residents to remain alert to political manipulation.
“I urge you, Nairobians, not to be deceived,” he said. “Let truth and peace guide us forward.”
The High Court has not issued any ruling implicating Sakaja, and no evidence linking him directly to the violent incidents has been presented as of now. Authorities have yet to confirm who was behind the masked gangs that disrupted the protest. Investigations into the protest violence remain ongoing.
