Sakaja dissociates self, City Hall from goons who hijacked demos

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dissociated himself and City Hall from "hired goons brought in from outside" to cause destruction of public and private property during protests.

The city boss asked Kenyans, especially the youth, to reject violence and criminal behaviour and refuse to be used by individuals keen on exploiting peaceful demonstrations to commit criminal acts.

In a statement on Wednesday, Sakaja condemned the criminal actions, saying they will not allow criminal elements to hijack democratic spaces.

"I therefore strongly condemn those who seek to take advantage of legitimate protests to incite violence and destabilise our city. We categorically dissociate ourselves from any gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity."

Sakaja acknowledged the right for Kenyans to assemble, demonstrate and picket as enshrined in Article 37 of the constitution, but pointed out that this right does not override the rights of others to work, move freely and live in safety.

He said just like the right to protest is protected under the constitution, the same supreme law mandates law enforcers to protect public order and the rights of nonprotesters.

"I encourage all Kenyans to make use of our democratic institutions; Parliament, the Judiciary and other legal avenues to voice their concerns without resorting to violence. These institutions exist to safeguard your rights, without putting innocent lives or livelihoods at risk," Sakaja said.

His remarks come hours after Nairobi experienced mayhem during protests held on Tuesday to condemn police brutality following the death in custody of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. 

Baton-wielding goons who police said they will firmly deal with, infiltrated the peaceful protests and engaged in brazen criminal acts - looting businesses, mugging pedestrians in broad daylight and destroying city infrastructure in full view of law enforcement officers.

As anti-riot police dispersed the suspected looters on Moi Avenue, a police officer was caught on video shooting a face mask vendor in the head at Imenti House.

Sakaja condemned the shooting, describing it as "deeply troubling and unacceptable".

"I call on all the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, independent investigation and ensure the responsible officer is held fully accountable," he said.

The county boss also called on the National Police Service to arrest and prosecute all those responsible for acts of violence, vandalism and theft that have marred Nairobi in recent days.

He said this is critical, not only to deliver justice to those affected, but also to prevent further escalation, especially by citizens feeling compelled to take the law into their own hands.

"Businesses built over years of sacrifice have been vandalised, and public infrastructure paid for by taxpayers destroyed. Already, Nairobi has suffered losses estimated in the billions. Businesses have shut down, jobs have been disrupted, and livelihoods destroyed," he said.