Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has denied sponsoring goons who infiltrated protests and unleashed the mayhem witnessed in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sakaja, while denying the claims, condemned the act by club-wielding goons to destroy property and rob Kenyans, adding that the goons were not from his county.
“We categorically dissociate ourselves from any gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity,” Sakaja stated.
“We strongly condemn the destruction of public and private property witnessed last week, perpetrated by hired goons brought in from outside Nairobi,” he added.
His comments come after a section of leaders led by Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino linked him to the goons, accusing him of orchestrating the chaos witnessed in the capital by sponsoring the goons.
The outspoken legislator claimed the attacks were carried out with the backing of senior government officials, terming the acts as organised terror disguised under the cover of anti-street protests.
In his scathing remarks, Owino lashed out at the governor, saying, "Johnson Sakaja, your actions did not make you strong. Hurting others does not give you power; it only reveals your utter disregard for the rule of law."
Aside from Owino, rumours spread online like a bushfire especially after a video showing club-wielding men passing outside Governor Sakaja's office shouting, "We protected the city Skaja."
In addition, in the clips that surfaced online, the alleged goons could be heard chanting in support of Sakaja, leading some to believe that the governor was connected to the goons.
During the protests, motorbikes ferrying suspected goons rode into town with the occupants shouting that there would be no protests in the city.
Armed with crude weapons, including knives and clubs, they went after protestors and other civilians in the CBD, snatching handbags, phones, and any other valuables they could get hold of.
In some videos shared on social media, the alleged goons were seen supposedly working in tandem with the anti-riot police officers to disperse the crowds.
Sakaja has urged the National Police Service (NPS) to move with haste and identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for acts of violence, vandalism, and theft.
“This is critical, not only to deliver justice to those affected, but also to prevent further escalation, especially by citizens feeling compelled to take the law into their own hands,” he argued.
