Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is at the centre of a serious controversy after widespread violence erupted during recent protests in the city.
Videos and eyewitness accounts suggest that organized gangs violently disrupted peaceful demonstrators, causing chaos, injuries, destruction of property.
Evidence circulating on social media shows these groups shouting Sakaja’s name while attacking citizens, raising strong suspicions about his involvement. The situation has provoked outrage from Kenyans, many of whom are demanding his arrest for what they believe was his direct role in orchestrating the chaos. Sakaja has tried to defend himself, but public anger has only grown.
Political analyst Willis Evans Otieno came out strongly, calling for Sakaja’s immediate arrest. In his statement, Otieno said the governor should be held criminally responsible for assault, incitement to violence, abuse of office, and violations of constitutional rights. He pointed out that Sakaja can no longer pretend to be a bystander while people are maimed, property destroyed, and lives lost in Nairobi under his watch.
His words were echoed by many Kenyans online, some of whom called the governor a coward and a hypocrite for condemning violence on television while allegedly sponsoring it behind the scenes.
The X post attracted hundreds of replies, most of them furious and demanding justice.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua added weight to the accusations by claiming that Sakaja had hired goons to hijack peaceful protests. He said the thugs were allowed to operate freely in the city without police intervention, further blaming Sakaja for using public resources to unleash violence.
Gachagua mentioned the shooting of Boniface Kariuki and the attacks along Moi Avenue as part of Sakaja’s plan to silence dissent. He also criticised the police for failing to act despite clear CCTV footage capturing the attacks in broad daylight, suggesting the police were either compromised or acting on orders from Sakaja’s office.
Sakaja has tried to distance himself from the events, issuing a statement on June 18 saying that the violent gangs were brought in from outside and not connected to City Hall. He condemned the violence, called for the arrest of vandals, and said the killing of a hawker was unacceptable.
He made this statement during a church service in Kakamega County. However, his response was received with deep skepticism, with many people accusing him of playing both sides.
Some posted images and videos showing destruction of property and injured protesters, while mocking Sakaja’s statement as dishonest and late.
Others pointed to his visible silence in the early stages of the protests as proof that he only spoke up after public pressure became too much.Social media platforms are full of posts demanding accountability.
Babu Owino, the Embakasi East MP, also accused Sakaja of hiding behind the police and called him out for not protecting Nairobians. A YouTube video titled “Kenyans Call Out Sakaja for Allegedly Sponsoring Goons” has gained thousands of views, with several clips appearing to show groups of violent men chanting Sakaja’s name and causing destruction.
Another live video from a protest location captured panic and confusion as unarmed demonstrators ran from armed attackers.
The death of Albert Ojwang, a media team member, added more pain to the already volatile situation. Ojwang was confirmed dead on arrival at Mbagathi Hospital, and CCTV footage later showed the moment he was hit during the chaos. Sakaja expressed sadness and called for justice, but his words rang hollow to many who believe he is part of the problem.
Critics argue that if Sakaja truly wanted peace, he would not allow such violent elements to operate under his watch. Others believe he may have enabled the violence to scare protesters away or to punish political opponents.
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