Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has condemned the destruction of public and private property during recent protests in the capital, urging police to arrest those responsible. Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service at Friends Comprehensive School in Kivaywa, Kakamega County, Sakaja emphasized the importance of peaceful protest while warning against criminal acts committed under the guise of activism.
“Demonstrating is your constitutional right, but let me be clear — destroying property is not part of that right,” Sakaja declared. He revealed that CCTV footage had captured some of the vandals, and urged the police to act swiftly. “This is criminal activity. We will not allow the destruction of a city built through sacrifice.”
The governor pointed to several incidents of vandalism, including the destruction of Nairobi’s Victorian-style street lights, dustbins, and attacks on shop owners. “People open their shops in the morning only to find their premises looted and vandalised. That cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Sakaja also spoke emotionally about the death of Albert Ojwang, a member of his media team, who died under unclear circumstances during the unrest. “Albert Ojwang was not just a colleague, he was a friend,” he said, adding that CCTV footage revealed Ojwang was already dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital.
He thanked President William Ruto for ordering a full investigation into the matter and called on authorities to ensure justice is served. “We want justice, not revenge. There must be justice for Ojwang’s family.”
While reaffirming his administration’s support for peaceful civic engagement, Sakaja cautioned young people against being manipulated into violence. He called on leaders to focus on development and national unity, highlighting projects like the Rironi–Mau Summit highway as key to Kenya’s future.
“Let us put aside our political differences and unite behind the President’s vision. If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” Sakaja warned, urging politicians to engage in constructive dialogue or risk becoming irrelevant.
The governor concluded with a commitment to uphold Nairobi’s safety, dignity, and democratic freedoms.
