Government to Begin Arresting Protesters Over Vandalism in Nairobi
The Nairobi County Government has announced that it will begin arresting individuals who took part in destroying public infrastructure during last week’s protests.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, while speaking in Kamagut on Saturday, June 14, stated that security agencies have already identified those behind the vandalism of county infrastructure and property across Nairobi.
He revealed that investigations have pointed to certain individuals who pretended to be peaceful demonstrators but ended up damaging public property.
Sakaja strongly condemned the actions of these individuals, calling them “criminals” who ruined the true intention of the protests. The demonstrations were originally organised to seek justice for Albert Ojwang, who reportedly died while in police custody on Sunday, June 8.
“Even when we’re angry, we should not destroy what belongs to us. If we want to demonstrate, we must do it in a peaceful and respectful manner,” Sakaja said. “The next time protests happen, people should not take advantage to burn vehicles, destroy infrastructure, loot shops, or create chaos.
The Constitution supports peaceful protests, not violence. Let’s protect our city and our businesses,” he added.
Umoja MCA Ronald Mugambi echoed Sakaja’s remarks, warning that the destruction seen during the protests threatens the long-term development of the city’s infrastructure.
“We must not destroy what has taken us many years to build. We will not allow this kind of destruction to continue. Every time there are protests, people lose their businesses and public infrastructure gets damaged. If this happens again, the law will be strictly enforced,” Mugambi warned.
Speaking at the same event, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged Kenyans to express their frustrations peacefully. He emphasized that any destruction of public property would not be tolerated by the government.
“We cannot allow Nairobi to be turned into Mogadishu. Those setting fire to county property, damaging businesses, burning vehicles, and destroying public infrastructure are not seeking justice—they are engaging in criminal acts,” Ichung’wah stated.
During the Thursday, June 12 protests, some demonstrators who took to the streets to protest the death of Albert Ojwang were caught on camera pulling down and walking away with newly installed street bins and lights. The street infrastructure was only installed less than a month ago.
Videos shared by Newshub.co.ke showed protesters removing the bins from their mounted posts and dragging them along the road during the demonstrations.
Earlier, on May 18, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Mr. Mosiria, had explained that the bins were installed to benefit pedestrians, especially after the previous ones had been stolen.
The county had also introduced modern street lighting systems aimed at improving night-time visibility, security, and the overall look of the city.
Governor Sakaja noted that these lights are crucial for making the city safer and more attractive. He reminded residents and hawkers that the county had already warned against damaging these installations shortly after they were put in place.
Now, with clear evidence of vandalism, authorities have confirmed that legal action will be taken against all identified offenders.
The County Government says this is necessary to protect public property and ensure peaceful demonstrations in the future.
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