In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Nairobi Governor Sakaja denied involvement in anti-government protests that led to City Hall being set on fire.
- Sakaja called for “siasa safi” and criticized politicians for exploiting the situation for political gain.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has downplayed claims of his involvement in planning the anti-government protests that resulted in a section of the City Hall building being set ablaze.
During a press briefing outside Parliament on Thursday, Sakaja explained that he had returned to the city following a retreat with his cabinet to restructure county operations for the new financial year.
Sakaja criticized politicians who sought to gain political mileage by implicating him in the violence.
He urged politicians to adopt his “siasa safi” (clean politics) mantra, which encourages considering all opinions regardless of affiliation.
“I saw a clip on Tuesday showing alleged goons emerging from City Hall, which I have asked to be investigated. We have been at the Coast with our cabinet for the whole week, conducting our end-of-year retreat and replanning for the new financial year ending in June. I would hate to think that something was planned from City Hall,” he stated.
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“When you’re in such a situation, the first casualty is the truth. Opportunistic politicians try to exploit the situation to tarnish their opponents. Claims that I was meeting people to plan violence at City Hall while I was in Diani from Sunday and only returned this morning are false. I have always believed in siasa safi and freedom of expression, even when it opposes my political stance.”
A section of City Hall, which houses Governor Sakaja’s office, was set on fire during the second week of anti-government protests.
Eyewitnesses reported that angry youths chased away county askaris outside the building, allowing them to gain entry and set the office on fire.
This incident occurred shortly after protestors had gained entry into Parliament buildings on Tuesday, June 25.