Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has strongly condemned the
recent wave of looting and vandalism witnessed during demonstrations, saying
that while the right to protest is protected, it must not come at the cost of
lives and livelihoods.
Speaking during a fundraiser at Mathare North SDA Church,
the governor reflected on the tragic events of the past week, saying Kenyans
need to rethink their approach to issues affecting them.
“Last week, we witnessed shocking acts of vandalism in
various towns, targeting the business community. We believe in democracy and
the right to demonstrate, but democracy is not chaos, it is not violence, it is
not anarchy,” Sakaja reiterated
He emphasised that the city will protect the rights of all
citizens, especially the youth, but made it clear that destruction of property
and violence will not be tolerated.
“We value our youth and their rights. But those causing
chaos must be held accountable. Let’s build a country that can thrive and do
business. We can restore property, but we cannot bring back lives. Life, once lost,
is gone forever,” he said.
The Governor appealed to church leaders and citizens to help
in identifying perpetrators.
Addressing Pastor Omollo, Sakaja requested a dedicated
number to which members of the public could send CCTV footage or photos of
vandals to aid in investigations and arrests.
He also expressed dismay at the destruction of public
infrastructure, including floodlights, dustbins, and business premises during
protests.
“We saw people vandalising dustbins, floodlights,
businesses, and public infrastructure. How is that your right? We cannot
destroy what has been built for all of us. That is not protest, that is
destruction,” he said.
Governor Sakaja affirmed that his administration, in
partnership with MCAs, has been working hard to uplift the city’s
infrastructure and services efforts he said must not be undone through acts of
violence.
“Let us be builders, not destroyers. Nairobi belongs to all
of us,” he concluded.
