Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku addressing the press at Kitengela Sub County hospital in Kitengela, Kajiado county on July 8, 2025.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has condemned the violence and destruction witnessed during the Saba Saba protests on Monday, saying those behind the attacks were not from the county.
Speaking at Kitengela Sub-County Hospital on Tuesday, Lenku said the people of Kajiado are known for their peaceful coexistence and should not be associated with the unrest.
“Kajiado residents are generally peaceful communities. What we saw sends a worrying message that it is no longer about people seeking their rights or engaging in lawful picketing and demonstrations, but rather about individuals with ill intentions,” Lenku said.
According to the governor, a group stormed Kitengela Sub-County Hospital carrying the body of a 21-year-old man who had been fatally shot during the protests.
Lenku said the group allegedly assaulted hospital staff and damaged property, including several window panes, in an attempt to force their way inside.
“I am here as the governor of Kajiado County to strongly condemn the unfortunate situation where individuals who were supposedly demonstrating peacefully became chaotic and damaged parts of the hospital,” he stated.
Lenku expressed concern over similar incidents in Kitengela, Kiserian, and Ngong, where businesses and government facilities were reportedly vandalized.
He said many residents showed restraint despite what he described as extreme provocation.
“We cannot continue to watch as people’s businesses and public facilities are vandalized and destroyed. County offices in Kiserian were also affected. We urge citizens to cooperate with the police to ensure that such actions do not take root in our society,” Lenku said.
He further noted that Kajiado has historically been a harmonious county where people from diverse backgrounds live peacefully.
“As Kajiado residents, we are deeply unhappy with what happened. Moving forward, we will work closely with law enforcement to secure our facilities and protect our people,” the governor said.
Lenku added that those who clashed with police during the protests were not peaceful demonstrators but individuals acting outside the law and possibly from outside the county.
“We will not tolerate such actions in Kajiado. I commend our residents for exercising restraint and thank our health staff for bravely attending to the injured, including some who attempted to harm them,” Lenku said.
