Sakaja Bans Azimo Protests in Nairobi

A photo of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja (left) and protestors during a past demonstration (right).
A photo of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja (left) and protestors during a past demonstration (right).
File

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Wednesday, March 29, banned demonstrations within the capital after Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o issued a directive on the same.

In response to Nyong'o's directive asking protesters to move to Nairobi, Sakaja was categorical that no demos would be held within the city moving forward.

The governor added that the county had been dealt a huge blow following the demonstrations by the Raila Odinga-led faction.

"Nairobi County has already hosted two of these demonstrations. We've borne the cost of the disruption so far: Nairobians have patiently put up with the disruption, and their taxes have paid for its aftermath.

A photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing a rally on Kibera on March 27, 2022.
A photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing a rally in Kibra on March 27, 2022.
Photo
Raila Odinga

"In the spirit of devolution, I would advice the Governor Nyong'o, to keep his demonstrations to his County. It has been decided that further protests and demonstrations shall similarly no longer take place in any part of the city," read the statement in part.

The statement by the county boss came after his Kisumu counterpart announced that the protests scheduled for Thursday, March 30, would take place in Nairobi.

Nyong'o had stated that the Kisumu protesters would hold joint demos in the capital - a move that did not sit well with Sakaja. 

"The Governor of Kisumu's idea that he can export his demonstrations to Nairobi and make our County the capital of demonstrations and associated mayhem is preposterous and totally unacceptable," Sakaja stated.

Azimio is scheduled to hold its protests on March 30 in the capital. 

The Raila-led faction has already held two demonstrations within the city  - a move that has paralysed a section of business and transport operations.

Notably, Sakaja had been dared by his counterparts in Kenya Kwanza to ban the demos. 

"We want to tell Sakaja that we are watching him keenly. He is not condemning the demonstrations that are taking place in the city. We can see that you (Sakaja) are acting like a chameleon," Laikipia Senator John Nderitu stated.

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o on top of a car during anti-government protests
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o on top of a car during anti-government protests.
Anyang Nyong'o