Sakaja responds to clip of goons leaving City Hall during Tuesday protests

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended himself after a clip went viral showing suspected goons leaving City Hall during the Tuesday, July 2, 2024 protests.

Addressing the media on Thursday, July 4, 2024, Sakaja absolved himself insisting that he was in Diani for his executive cabinet retreat.

Sakaja announced that he had called on the respective security organs to investigate the incident and come to the bottom of it all.

“I saw a clip on Tuesday of alleged goons coming from City Hall. Some are claiming that I, the governor, was meeting these goons to plan violence. However, I was in Diani with my cabinet doing our end-of-year retreat,” Sakaja stated.

At the same time, Sakaja pointed an accusing finger at his political opponents who he indicated could have capitalised on the protests to try and taint his image.

The City boss insisted that he is a firm believer in clean politics and that he would never and any point advocate for violence due to differing political inclinations.

Sakaja condemned the incident while emphasising that the security agencies would work to uncover the motive behind the said meeting at City Hall.

Gov. Johnson Sakaja: I saw a clip on Tuesday of alleged goons coming from City Hall. Some are claiming that I, the governor, was meeting these goons to plan violence. However, I was in Diani with my Cabinet doing our end-of-year retreat.#K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/bxQxVOQPgY

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 4, 2024

Vandalism, looting mar protests

His sentiments come amidst increased condemnation from a section of leaders on what transpired during the Tuesday, July 2, 2024 protests. What was planned to be a peaceful protest to raise an alarm about police brutality was infiltrated by goons, vandals and looters.

Several businesses across the country were looted and properties worth millions of shillings were destroyed.

Following the widespread cases of crime during protests, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki vowed to track the suspects.

“Upon completion of the ongoing evidential analysis, the government assures the public that the planners, executors, and financiers of large-scale arson, violent robberies, and other felonious crimes will be brought to justice,” Kindiki.

He emphasized the government’s resolve to stop criminals from terrorizing the public and harming the nation, despite attempts to politicize crime.

“This reign of terror against the people of Kenya and the impunity of dangerous criminal gangs must end at whatever cost,” Kindiki warned.

On his side, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pleaded with Gen Z to call off protests due to the infiltration by goons and criminals.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also called out the government for failing to protect people’s property from criminal elements whom he claimed hijacked peaceful protests.

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