Sakaja Assures Protection For Nairobians During June 25 Protests
Sakaja stated that he had already contacted the regional National Police Service (NPS) commander to guarantee the safety of the protesters
Marvin Chege 
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has assured city residents of security during the upcoming June 25 demonstrations, stating that no criminal elements will be allowed to breach the protests as has been the case recently.
In a video statement released on Sunday, June 22, Sakaja stated that he had already contacted the regional National Police Service (NPS) commander to guarantee the safety of the protesters, though he cautioned them against engaging in any form of violence.
"We will not allow criminal elements to hijack our democratic space. I urge all Kenyans and the people of Nairobi to reject violence and criminal behaviour as they take to the streets this coming week," he said.
"I have spoken to the commander of the police to ensure that peaceful demonstrators will be protected as they express their rights, and that must be done within the confines of the law, as enshrined in the constitution. Let the police do their job to protect life and property."
Kenyans take to the streets of Nairobi CBD during protests on June 12, 2025. /X
At the same time, the county boss yet again distanced himself from the hired goons who attacked and robbed protesters, reiterating his stance that he did not hire the goons as widely reported.
To prove this, Sakaja even gave past instances where his administration has provided security, medical services and even safe pathways for protesters.
"As your governor, I remain committed to the rights of those who protest, as I have shown in the past when I have given safe passage, ambulances, health facilities and even venues for concerts of peace because we believe in that right," he stated.
Sakaja also claimed that there was “a smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing his reputation, accusing “well-known individuals” of orchestrating chaos while attempting to shift the blame onto him.
“Over the past few days, there have been malicious allegations against me. I want to state categorically that in my entire political career, I have never used violence to gain power. My record speaks for itself, my mantra has been and continues to be Siasa Safi,” he said.
“These accusations are not only false but desperate attempts by politicians whose own careers are built on violence and intimidation. They have gone as far as hiring goons and even dressing them with County-linked accessories like the Dishi na County watch to make it appear they work for us."
According to him, the recent events are akin to the old tactics where supporters of one party would be dressed in the opposing party's colours and unleashed on wananchi.
The Governor argued that the strategies being deployed are also meant to sway public opinion for political gain, calling them an insult to the real struggles of young people and a dismissal of those genuinely impacted.
Pointing to recent tragedies—such as the mugging, injuries, and alleged shooting of protester Boniface Kariuki—Sakaja emphasised the need for justice over political sideshows.
“Shifting focus onto unverified claims against me is not only dishonest—it is an injustice to the victims and to the business owners who are now counting losses in the millions,” he said.
The Governor’s remarks follow recent youth-led protests that were hijacked by hired goons, who disrupted peaceful demonstrators demanding justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
A gang of motorcyclists stormed Nairobi’s CBD, wielding crude weapons to break up the protests. The situation quickly turned violent, and at one point, the thugs appeared to coordinate with police officers, fueling suspicions that they were being backed by someone powerful.
Governor Sakaja’s name repeatedly came up as the alleged sponsor, especially as the goons were heard praising him for “shutting down” the demonstrations. Although no specific individuals were named, some of the attackers admitted to being paid as little as Ksh50 to stir up chaos.
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