Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of being behind the chaos that rocked the capital on Tuesday, June 17th, during the #JusticeForAlbertOjwang protests.
In a statement, Owino claimed that goons who unleashed violence on peaceful demonstrators and innocent civilians were sponsored and protected by senior government officials. He termed the attacks as “organised terror disguised as anti-street protests.”
“The recent attacks by goons on innocent people are not just acts of cowardice but a direct assault on the values we hold dear as a society. These goons are criminals and must be treated as such,” said Owino.
The MP, a vocal critic of Sakaja’s leadership, vowed to pursue all legal and political avenues to put an end to what he called “state-enabled criminality.” He accused the governor of turning Nairobi into a hostile environment, claiming government machinery is being used to intimidate the public.
“Hurting others does not give you power; it only reveals your utter disregard for the rule of law,” he said, urging the government to shift focus towards helping victims instead of shielding perpetrators.
Governor Sakaja, who has not yet responded to the allegations, had earlier warned that individuals who vandalised county infrastructure during the protests would face arrest. Speaking in Kamagut on June 15th, he said investigations had already identified the culprits, who he labelled as criminals masquerading as protestors.
“Even if we are angry, let us not destroy our property. If we must demonstrate, let us do so peacefully,” said Sakaja, lamenting the destruction of newly installed street lighting and sanitation facilities.
During Tuesday’s unrest, armed gangs wielding knives and clubs attacked demonstrators and bystanders in Nairobi’s CBD, snatching phones, handbags, and other valuables. Images captured showed a police vehicle moving alongside individuals suspected to be part of the violent group.