Nairobi, a city often at the heart of Kenya's vibrant political discourse, is bracing for another wave of protests on Wednesday, June 25th. Amidst this anticipation, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has once again stepped forward, not only to distance himself from the controversial "goons" who attacked recent demonstrators but also to issue a firm promise of ensuring security for those planning to take to the streets. His statements aim to clarify his stance and reassure citizens of their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, even as accusations of political sabotage swirl around him.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Governor articulated a clear message for both the public and law enforcement. He confirmed having already engaged with the regional commander of the National Police Service (NPS) to guarantee the safety of the upcoming protests. Crucially, Sakaja coupled this assurance with a warning to the demonstrators themselves: to strictly avoid any form of violence or criminal behavior. "I urge all Kenyans and the people of Nairobi to reject violence and criminal behaviour as they take to the streets this coming week," he stated, setting a clear expectation for conduct. He further emphasized, "I have spoken to the commander of the police to ensure that peaceful demonstrators will be protected as they express their rights, and that must be done within the confines of the law, as enshrined in the constitution." This nuanced approach seeks to uphold both the right to protest and the necessity of maintaining public order.
Click Link To Watch More On This
Click Link To Watch More On This
The Governor's renewed focus on distancing himself from the alleged perpetrators of violence stems from widespread reports and accusations linking him to the goons who disrupted protests on Tuesday, June 17th. During those demonstrations, a disturbing scene unfolded as a gang of motorcyclists swarmed into the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), openly armed with crude weapons, intent on dispersing protesters. The ensuing confrontations were violent, and at one point, these alleged thugs were even seen allying with the police, creating a chilling impression that they were operating with official backing or, more pointedly, with the sponsorship of a powerful figure.
Sakaja's name was repeatedly mentioned as the alleged sponsor, with the goons reportedly applauding the Governor for effectively bringing the demonstrations to an end. While they refrained from identifying specific individuals, some acknowledged being paid as little as Ksh50 to incite this violence. Since these incidents, Governor Sakaja has vehemently refuted these claims, steadfastly maintaining his opposition to all forms of violence. He has even publicly demanded justice for Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who was tragically shot by a rogue police officer during the recent demonstrations, further underscoring his stance against unwarranted force.
In his latest statement, Sakaja reiterated his condemnation of those who infiltrated the protests to harass demonstrators, making it clear that he did not sponsor them as widely reported. He went further, highlighting his consistent track record of supporting the right to protest, citing previous instances where he had actively facilitated peaceful demonstrations by providing "safe passage, ambulances, health facilities and even venues for concerts of peace." He affirmed, "As your governor, I remain committed to the rights of those who protest... because we believe in that right."
A significant part of Sakaja's recent communication has been his claim of being politically framed. He alleges that unnamed rival political leaders are "hell-bent on ruining his reputation" to the extent of deliberately issuing the goons with county paraphernalia and instructing them on what to say to falsely align him with the violence. This accusation introduces a layer of complex political intrigue, suggesting that the recent chaos may have been a calculated maneuver by his adversaries to tarnish his image.
As Nairobi prepares for the upcoming protests, Governor Sakaja's strong statements attempt to reassert his authority and commitment to constitutional rights. The effectiveness of his promise to ensure security, and the public's perception of his role amidst the controversy, will undoubtedly be under close scrutiny in the days ahead. The unfolding events will not only test the resilience of Nairobians' right to protest but also the transparency and accountability of its leadership.
