Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has rubbished claims linking him to the sponsorship of goons who infiltrated protests in the city on Tuesday, June 17, terming the allegations as “blatant lies.”
Reports circulating online had alleged that Sakaja held a secret meeting with city-based political figures — including youth activist Gaucho, a sitting MP, an MCA, and the notorious Swaleh — where he allegedly issued Ksh2 million to sponsor violence during the Gen Z-led demonstrations.
The goons, according to the claims, were allegedly mobilised with machetes and clubs to disrupt protestors calling for justice following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
In a swift response on his official social media pages, Sakaja denied meeting the individuals mentioned, saying he was out of Nairobi on the day the alleged meeting took place.
“Such blatant lies,” Sakaja wrote. “On Sunday, I was in Lugari for church and came back to Nairobi on Monday afternoon through Kitale. Ticket below. I have not seen Gaucho since he attended the Mukuru Housing Launch or Swaleh in many months.”
To support his defense, the governor shared his travel ticket indicating that he flew from Kitale to Nairobi on the morning of Monday, June 16, which contradicted reports claiming he was in the capital on Sunday planning the disruption.
Gaucho, who was also implicated, dismissed the accusations as fake and malicious. He stated that he was not even in the country at the time the alleged meeting was said to have occurred.
On the day of the protests, what began as a peaceful demonstration to demand justice for Ojwang turned violent. Goons believed to be unrelated to the protestors descended on the Nairobi CBD, looting shops and destroying private property.
Sakaja condemned the violence, reiterating that the criminals were not linked to the Nairobi County Government.
“We strongly condemn the destruction of public and private property witnessed last week, perpetrated by hired goons brought in from outside Nairobi,” Sakaja said.
He called on the National Police Service to arrest those responsible and ensure they are held accountable for the mayhem.
