Gachagua accuses Sakaja of sponsoring goons in Nairobi protests

A boda boda rider holding a matchbox ready to torch a suspected goon during Justice For Albert Ojwang Protests on June 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja of sponsoring goons to attack peaceful protesters during demonstrations in the county.

He has further claimed that President William Ruto is responsible for violence meted out on civilians by police officers during protests witnessed in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The former DP made these claims through his X account following the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who was selling masks on Nairobi's Moi Avenue during the protests.

"I had clearly warned of a plan by the President and the Governor of Nairobi County and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs in police escort to kill our young people today (Tuesday). This has come to pass." He tweeted.

Hanifa: I was beaten up, and one of the goons took my phone but I managed to get it back. pic.twitter.com/6Ntn5Ab5Zh

- KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) June 17, 2025

Gachagua raised concerns over the infiltration of the police by goons who attacked residents and destroyed property, questioning why police officers are yet to arrest the perpetrators.

"Kenyans enjoying their constitutional right to Assembly and Expression are invaded by the police and state-sponsored goons under the full glare of the camera, and the whole world stages our nation as a pariah state Mr President." He said.

The former Mathira MP also took issue with the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, linking both issues to flawed training of police officers.

"What is the logic behind shooting an innocent and harmless hawker selling masks at a close at close range?" He asked." What police training is this? This is as if the brutal murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody isn't enough."

He has urged the president to stop brutality and violence as it is doing more harm than good to the country.