Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has once again denied allegations linking him to the chaos and destruction witnessed during last week’s anti-government protests in the Central Business District.
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“I Have Never and Will Never Sponsor Violence” Sakaja
Speaking on Sunday, June 22, Sakaja dismissed the claims as politically motivated and entirely false, stating that his political career has always been built on clean, non-violent engagement.
“Over the past few days, I have observed with deep concern the circulation of false, malicious, and political allegations against me. I have never and will never sponsor violence of any kind; my entire political life has been anchored on clean politics which upholds human dignity, the rule of law and the democratic rights of every Kenyan,” Sakaja said.
Governor Blames Rivals for Orchestrated Chaos
The governor accused unnamed political figures of hiring goons to infiltrate peaceful protests and falsely link him to the violence.
“These accusations are not only false; they are desperate attempts by certain well-known individuals whose political careers are marked by violence, intimidation, and chaos,” he added. “They have gone as far as hiring goons to claim I sent them just to taint my name.”
He urged Nairobi residents to stay vigilant and resist being manipulated by opportunistic leaders seeking to hijack the current national discourse.
Sakaja Upholds Right to Peaceful Protest, Condemns Vandalism
This was the second public statement made by the governor on the issue. On June 18, Sakaja issued a detailed response emphasizing that while Article 37 of the Constitution protects the right to protest, it does not allow criminal conduct or destruction of property.
“Let us not forget the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in Article 37 of our Constitution… However, this right does not override the rights of others to work, to move freely, and to live in safety.”
He noted that criminal elements had hijacked the protests, destroying private businesses and public infrastructure in the capital.
Calls for National Dialogue
Sakaja also made a call for a broader conversation among leaders, security agencies, civil society, and citizens to address the underlying causes of unrest.
“The time has come for all stakeholders to engage in a meaningful national conversation on peace, justice, and unity,” Sakaja said. “We must not allow the voices of victims to be silenced by political games.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peaceful leadership and justice for victims of recent unrest in the city.
