Police Probe Six Politicians, Two NGOs, Businessman for Allegedly Funding Protests

Six politicians, a businessman and two Non-Governmental Organisations are on the radar of State intelligence and security agencies following suspicion of their involvement in fuelling ongoing anti-government protests.

According to reports by the Nation, the six politicians are accused of mobilising protestors from slums in the capital and other regions, infiltrating the planned peaceful demonstrations, and paying some of the protestors.

Additionally, they are accused of providing other forms of support, such as transport to and from the demonstrations.

Among those being investigated are a politician from Rift Valley, three from Nairobi, and two from Central Kenya. The businessman is also based in Rift Valley. The investigation includes both a local NGO and an international NGO.

Per the reports, the politicians from Nairobi were accused of hiring goons from Kibera and Baba Dogo and holding night meetings for the protests while the one from Rift Valley was accused of paying the youth at his house in Nairobi.

While responding to the alleged list of sponsors Nairobi former Governor Mike Sonko condemned all those including his name in the group. It was unclear whether Sonko was among the named financiers.

“I have seen some people, who like tarnishing my name by spreading propaganda and lies with their fake intelligence purporting that I was the one who organised for the goons to loot in CBD and coffins to be brought to the CBD as well,” he wrote.

The politician distanced himself from the allegations adding the coffins were purchased within the city and ferried to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). He also shared details of the owner of the vehicle involved.

Additionally, he called upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the looting witnessed in the city. He urged them to use the CCTV cameras out of the business premises.