The recent violence in Nairobi has raised serious concerns about Governor Johnson Sakaja’s leadership. What began as peaceful protests over the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody has now turned into chaos, and fingers are being pointed directly at the governor.
There are reports that Sakaja hired goons to disrupt these protests, a move that has worsened an already tense situation. Footage shared online shows men carrying clubs and chanting in support of Sakaja outside City Hall, further fuelling claims that these thugs were sent to intimidate and harm peaceful demonstrators.
The protesters were simply demanding justice, but instead of being protected, they were met with organized violence.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino openly accused Sakaja of sponsoring the violence. He described the goons as criminals who were given cover by the state to attack innocent Kenyans.
These statements were backed by a video of the goons chanting “Sakaja tumelinda jiji,” which many interpreted as a clear sign of their connection to him.
The protests escalated outside Kenyatta National Hospital where injured protesters, including hawker Boniface Kariuki who was shot, were receiving treatment.
The fact that violence broke out in such a coordinated way in the city center under his watch cannot be taken lightly.
On social media, the situation has triggered even more serious and disturbing allegations.
A post by Wayne Gakuo on X referenced claims that Sakaja allegedly instructed the same goons to stab women and then blame the violence on the protesters.
Real people are being injured, lives are being put at risk, and the city is on edge.
Sakaja has denied any connection to the goons and claims they were brought in from outside Nairobi. He has called for investigations and condemned the violence, but this has done little to calm public fury.
His explanations appear hollow, especially when videos and testimonies from the streets tell a different story.
People are not just angry about one incident. They are tired of leaders who appear more interested in protecting their image than ensuring public safety.
A governor who cannot prevent or control organized attacks during a peaceful protest is simply not doing his job.
This crisis has exposed a leadership failure. Nairobi residents expect accountability and protection, not confusion and excuses.
The governor’s denial does not explain why known goons were seen backing police and attacking citizens. It does not answer why such violence erupted in broad daylight in the capital.
