Fresh Protests Target Governor Sakaja After Goons Cause Chaos in Nairobi CBD
Angry Kenyans gathered outside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Wednesday, June 18, to demand the immediate resignation of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The protests erupted following claims that Sakaja was linked to violent gangs who attacked peaceful demonstrators during a protest on Tuesday, June 17.
According to a video seen by Newshub.co.ke, a large crowd of residents was seen demonstrating outside the hospital, loudly chanting, “Sakaja must go.”
The demonstrators accused the governor of enabling or turning a blind eye to the goons who caused destruction and harm during the previous day’s protest.
Protesters voiced their anger over the brutal injuries suffered by peaceful demonstrators and demanded justice for the victims.
Many of the protesters camped outside KNH to show solidarity with Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker who was reportedly shot by a police officer in the Central Business District during the violent dispersal of the demonstrations. Kariuki is currently admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed that 16 people were receiving medical care due to injuries sustained during the protests.
According to KNH CEO William Sigilai, doctors managed to remove an object believed to be a rubber bullet from the left side of Kariuki’s head. His condition remains delicate, and doctors are closely monitoring his progress.
Meanwhile, Governor Sakaja is under intense scrutiny and growing public pressure following videos and photos that appear to show gangs roaming the streets with sticks, attacking demonstrators, and vandalising property.
The footage also shows the goons breaking into shops, stealing goods, and causing extensive damage to businesses in the CBD.
The groups of rowdy men were also seen marching and chanting slogans in support of the governor, saying things like, “Sakaja, we have defended the city,” which further raised suspicion about their connections to the county leadership.
Despite the disturbing evidence and mounting public outrage, Governor Sakaja has strongly denied any involvement in mobilising or funding the gangs. He claimed he and his team were not in the city at the time of the protests.
“We firmly distance ourselves from any associations with criminal gangs, militias, or politically motivated groups that take advantage of peaceful demonstrations to commit crimes,” Sakaja said in an official statement.
However, political leaders and critics are not convinced. Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino directly accused Sakaja of orchestrating the violence by hiring goons under the guise of protecting the city from protests. He described the events as a form of state-sponsored violence disguised as law enforcement.
“Governor Johnson Sakaja, what you did was not strength. Hurting innocent people does not show leadership — it shows a dangerous disregard for justice and the rule of law,” Owino stated firmly.
As pressure continues to mount, the public awaits further investigations and possible action from national authorities regarding the use of force and the governor’s alleged connection to the violent groups.
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