Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has spoken out ahead of the planned demonstrations set for Wednesday, June 25, assuring residents that he is committed to maintaining peace and order.
He firmly denied any involvement in recent attacks on protesters and promised to work with the police to provide security during the upcoming protests.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Sakaja revealed that he had already reached out to the regional commander of the National Police Service (NPS) to make sure the rights of peaceful demonstrators are protected. He also cautioned residents against turning to violence during the protests.
“I urge all Kenyans, especially Nairobians, to reject any form of violence or criminal activity as they prepare to demonstrate this week,” Sakaja said.
The governor emphasized that any form of protest must be carried out peacefully and within the boundaries of the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution. He made it clear that the right to protest is protected, but it must not be used as an excuse for chaos or destruction.
Sakaja also condemned the actions of individuals who have been infiltrating demonstrations to cause disruption and intimidate protesters.
He strongly denied the widespread allegations that he was behind the violent groups, insisting that he has always stood up for the right to peaceful assembly.
“As the Governor of Nairobi, I have always respected and supported the rights of those who protest peacefully. In the past, I have provided safe passage, medical services, ambulances, and even venues for peace concerts because I believe in the importance of this constitutional right,” he stated.
He went further to claim that his name is being unfairly dragged through the mud by unnamed political rivals who are determined to destroy his reputation.
According to Sakaja, these individuals went as far as distributing county uniforms and paraphernalia to the hired goons and instructing them on what to say so that the blame would fall on him.
Sakaja’s statement comes in response to violent incidents that took place during the Tuesday, June 17, demonstrations.
During that protest, a group of motorcyclists stormed the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), armed with crude weapons, and attacked peaceful demonstrators.
The incident sparked public outrage, with many accusing the attackers of having political backing. There were even reports that some of the thugs appeared to cooperate with police officers, raising suspicions that someone powerful was behind their actions.
As the chaos unfolded, several of the goons were recorded openly chanting Sakaja’s name, praising him for “ending the protests.” This fueled speculation that he had sponsored the violence. However, in their own words, some of the alleged attackers admitted they had been paid as little as Ksh50 to stir up violence.
Governor Sakaja has firmly rejected all claims linking him to the group, making it clear that he condemns all forms of violence.
He also expressed concern over the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, who was injured by a rogue police officer during the protests, and demanded that justice be served.
As the June 25 protests approach, Sakaja is urging everyone to remain peaceful, warning that violence will not be tolerated.
His message underscores the importance of upholding the right to protest while maintaining law and order in the city.
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