Nairobi County has distanced itself from working with goons who disrupted Tuesday’s protests, insisting that the destruction of property and looting witnessed in the city were the actions of criminal elements and not peaceful demonstrators.
In a statement on Wednesday, Governor Johnson Sakaja said those behind the violence had been brought in from outside Nairobi and had no place in the city’s democratic space.
“To my fellow Kenyans, let us not forget the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in Article 37 of our Constitution. It guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities peaceably and unarmed. However, this right does not override the rights of others to work, to move freely, and to live in safety. The Constitution also mandates the police to protect public order and the rights of non-protesters.
“I therefore strongly condemn those who seek to take advantage of legitimate protests to incite violence and destabilise our city. We will not allow criminal elements to hijack our democratic space. Affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest, we strongly condemn the destruction of public and private property witnessed last week, perpetrated by hired goons brought in from outside Nairobi. We categorically dissociate ourselves from any gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity,” the statement read.
Sakaja also weighed in on the police shooting of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki, calling on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and independent investigation.
“The tragic shooting of Boniface Kariuki by a police officer yesterday is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic society. I call on all the relevant authorities to conduct thorough, independent investigation and ensure the responsible officer is held fully accountable. Law enforcement must operate strictly within the bounds of the law with restraint, professionalism, and unwavering respect for human rights,” the statement added.
In a call for national unity, Sakaja urged for a broader dialogue to address the root causes of public frustration.
“I believe the time has come for all stakeholders including national leaders, civil society, the security sector, and the citizens to engage in a meaningful national conversation on peace, justice, and unity.
“While the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, I am deeply concerned by the scenes of vandalism, looting, and destruction of property that have marred Nairobi in recent days. Businesses built over years of sacrifice have been vandalised, and public infrastructure paid for by taxpayers destroyed,” the statement further read.
Tuesday’s demonstrations, which were sparked by public outrage over the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, turned violent when individuals suspected to be state-linked goons joined police in repelling protesters in the CBD. Protesters had also called for the arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
By 11:00 am, demonstrators marching toward Central Police Station were confronted by rowdy youths armed with batons next to Jevanjee Gardens. Witnesses said the youths worked side-by-side with police officers to block the protesters.
“They are making it hard for us to do business because they come here and loot and rob people. We don’t want them to do that. If they want to protest, let them do so peacefully,” one of the armed youths said.
Shortly after, the same group could be seen urging police to support them as they pelted stones at the protesters. The police responded by lobbing tear gas canisters, escalating the chaos.
The situation quickly deteriorated, with several of the goons seen mugging passers-by in the backstreets of Nairobi. Some rode on motorbikes, while others chanted political slogans such as “Heshimu President, achana na Ruto” (respect the president, leave Ruto alone), revealing a clear partisan agenda that cast doubt on their spontaneity.
A disturbing incident occurred outside Imenti House on Moi Avenue, where a young man was cornered by two police officers and shot moments later, as onlookers watched in horror.
By 3:00 pm, most peaceful protesters had withdrawn from the streets, leaving behind the goons, who continued to roam the city centre unchecked.
In one video, the group is seen outside Nairobi’s City Hall, chanting, “Sakaja tumelinda jiji” (Sakaja, we have protected the city), appearing to declare allegiance to the governor.
Sakaja, however, has unequivocally rejected any association with such groups, condemning their involvement and criminal conduct.
