Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has firmly denied allegations that his administration was behind the chaos witnessed during Tuesday’s anti-government protests, asserting that the violence was orchestrated by hired goons from outside the capital.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sakaja said the city leadership does not support or associate with gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups accused of infiltrating peaceful demonstrations to carry out criminal acts such as vandalism, looting, and arson.
“We categorically dissociate ourselves from any gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity,” said the governor.
He expressed deep concern over the destruction witnessed during the recent protests, noting that losses were in the billions of shillings. He pointed out that the damage had been inflicted on both private businesses and public infrastructure, some of which took years to build and were funded by taxpayers.
Sakaja warned that if law enforcement fails to take decisive action, the public could resort to vigilante justice. “The National Police Service must act firmly and fairly to arrest and prosecute all involved,” he urged.
While acknowledging that the Constitution grants all Kenyans the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37, Sakaja emphasized that such rights should not infringe on others’ rights to safety and security. “We will not allow criminal elements to hijack our democratic space,” he asserted.
He also called on young people to resist being used by individuals who are turning protests into platforms for political and criminal agendas.
In addition, Sakaja condemned the shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki by a police officer during the protests and urged the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and ensure justice is served.
His remarks come amid nationwide demonstrations driven by youth demanding accountability and protesting the Finance Bill 2024. The protests, which have gained significant momentum, have remained largely peaceful, though authorities report instances of violence that threaten public safety and stability
