Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has broken his silence following allegations linking him to hired goons who disrupted Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi CBD.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, Sakaja pointed out the constitutional right to protest, further dismissing claims of association with any hired goons.
"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.
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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.
