Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has firmly denied allegations that he was involved in orchestrating recent anti-government protests that resulted in part of the City Hall building being set on fire.
During a press briefing held outside Parliament on Thursday, Governor Sakaja explained that he had been away from the city for the entire week, and any insinuations of his involvement in the violent events were baseless.
“I have been in the Coast with my cabinet for a retreat, focusing on our plans for the new financial year which starts in July. We have not been in Nairobi, and I categorically deny any involvement in the violence that took place at City Hall,” Sakaja stated.
The governor criticized what he termed as “opportunistic politicians” who were attempting to exploit the situation for their own political gain.
“In times of crisis, the truth is often the first casualty. Some politicians are trying to drag my name through the mud by suggesting I had a hand in the violence, despite my clear absence from the city. I only returned this morning from Diani, where we were holding our retreat,” Sakaja clarified.
Sakaja reiterated his commitment to his principle of “siasa safi” – a call for clean politics where all voices are heard and respected, regardless of political affiliation.
“As a leader, I believe in the importance of ‘siasa safi‘ and the freedom of expression, even when those opinions differ from my own. We must foster a political environment where dialogue and respect for opposing views are paramount.”
The governor’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in Nairobi following the anti-government protests, which saw a section of City Hall torched by unidentified individuals.
ALSO READ;
