A video shared by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja denying claims that he sponsored goons to infiltrate recent anti-police brutality protests has sparked a heated reaction online.
In the video seen online, Sakaja firmly denied allegations linking him to the violent disruptions witnessed during the protests in Nairobi, terming the accusations as “false, malicious, and politically motivated.”
“I have never and will never sponsor violence of any kind. My entire political life has been anchored on the rule of law and democratic rights,” Sakaja stated.
He added, “These accusations are not only false, they are desperate attempts by individuals whose political careers are marked by violence, intimidation, and chaos—people who have gone as far as hiring goons to taint my name.”
Sakaja concluded by condemning acts of violence and urging citizens to reject such behavior.
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Despite his statements, the video was met with widespread criticism online, with many Kenyans questioning the sincerity of his denial.
@IanChongoti asked, “So how were they being escorted by police?”
@thee_alfa_house added, “Why did you say ‘round hii mtatupata’ days before the protests? Why did they go to City Hall saying ‘we've protected the CBD’?”
@Clemoh_Pr questioned, “How did your political enemies get the police to protect the goons? From where I sit, only you have that kind of muscle.”
@AtwoliiYa chimed in, “The goons were clearly saying your name.”
@MkenyaSovereign concluded, “The information was in the public domain since morning. Why didn't he hold a presser before noon and deny the goons?”
A few days before the protest, Sakaja was also caught on camera warning two alleged politicians involved in organizing confusion during the demonstrations. Claiming that he had been caught off guard during the last protests, Sakaja told them to “try it during the next one.”
During the protests, groups of armed individuals, allegedly hired goons, were seen attacking peaceful demonstrators with clubs.
Some were even heard chanting Sakaja’s name, claiming they were “protecting the city.”