Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has urged police to arrest individuals who
vandalised property during recent protests in the capital, warning that
criminal elements hiding behind peaceful demonstrations will face the full
force of the law.
Addressing the youth, Sakaja emphasised the
importance of peaceful civic expression and cautioned against being used to
further chaos.
“Demonstrating is your constitutional right,
but let me be clear — destroying property is not part of that right,” Sakaja
said.
“We have CCTV footage showing some of the culprits. I’m calling on the
police to arrest them. This is criminal activity.”
Sakaja made the remarks during an interdenominational prayer service at
Friends Comprehensive School in Kivaywa, Kakamega County.
The governor cited incidents where Nairobi’s iconic Victorian lights and
dustbins were destroyed, and shop owners were targeted during the unrest.
“People open their shops in the morning only
to find their premises looted and vandalised. That cannot be tolerated,” he
said.
Sakaja reiterated that his administration supports the right to protest peacefully, but warned that anyone engaging in violence or looting under the pretence of activism would be dealt with.
He also spoke emotionally about the death of
Albert Ojwang, a member of his media team, who died under unclear circumstances
during the protests.
“Albert Ojwang was not just a colleague, he
was a friend,” he said.
“What we want is justice, not
revenge. CCTV footage shows he was already dead when brought to Mbagathi
Hospital. I thank President Ruto for ordering an investigation. Now we need the
responsible officers to act. There must be justice for Ojwang’s family.”
Ojwang’s death has sparked widespread calls
for accountability, with President Ruto earlier in the week directing a full
investigation into the incident.
Governor Sakaja reaffirmed his commitment to
protecting lives, property, and democratic freedoms.
“We will not allow the destruction of a city built through sacrifice.
Justice must prevail for Ojwang, and for the people of Nairobi.”
He further urged Kenyans and national leaders
to set aside political differences and unite behind the country’s development
agenda.
“We must put our energies into building this
nation,” he said. “I call on all of us to support President Ruto’s vision, especially
projects like the Rironi–Mau Summit highway. Our people have waited too long.”
Sakaja added that leaders should embrace
constructive dialogue and avoid divisive rhetoric, warning that those who stay
out of the national conversation risk irrelevance.
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the
menu. Let’s choose to sit at the table,” he said.
