Inside the Nairobi Chaos: Sakaja Accused of Bankrolling Goons >> What Really Happened?

In the wake of escalating protests in Nairobi, Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has come forward to vehemently deny claims that he secretly conspired with political figures Gaucho and Swaleh to orchestrate violence during the demonstrations. 

Recent reports had circulated allegations that Governor Sakaja met privately with a group of leaders, including sitting Nairobi MP Gaucho, an MCA, and the contentious figure Swaleh, in a bid to mobilize goons.  

According to these claims, funds amounting to Ksh2 million were allegedly funneled to Gaucho, intended to finance hired troublemakers equipped with machetes and other dangerous weapons to suppress protestors, transforming planned demonstrations into scenes of chaos. 

Governor Sakaja has categorically refuted these allegations. In a swift public statement, he explained that he was not in Nairobi on the day in question. Instead, he provided documented travel evidence proving his presence in Lugari for a church service on Sunday, and his subsequent return to Nairobi on Monday afternoon via Kitale. Sakaja asserted, “Such blatant lies. On Sunday, I was in Lugari for Church and came back to Nairobi on Monday afternoon through Kitale. I have not seen Gaucho since he attended the Mukuru Housing Launch or Swaleh in many months.” The governor’s travel ticket from Kitale corroborates his timeline, directly contradicting the claims that place him in the capital at the time of the supposed meeting. 

Amid the controversy, Gaucho has also commented on the situation, dismissing the rumors and stating that he was not in the country at the time. His remarks further call into question the validity of the allegations surrounding the secret meeting and the orchestration of violence. 

The backdrop to these claims is Nairobi’s turbulent atmosphere. On Tuesday, protests erupted following the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody, sparking demands for justice among angry youths. What began as peaceful calls for accountability quickly descended into disorder.  

Scenes of looting, vandalism, and violent clashes between protestors and law enforcement gripped the city, with reports indicating that hired goons, allegedly brought in from outside Nairobi, played a role in the mayhem. 

Governor Sakaja has repeatedly emphasized that his office bears no connection to these hired gangs. He strongly condemned the violence and called on the National Police Service to take swift action by arresting those found culpable for the destruction of both public and private property. 

As Nairobi continues to grapple with the unrest, the governor’s clear-cut denial and presentation of evidence serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of transparency in times of crisis. With tensions still high and the quest for justice ongoing, all eyes remain on local authorities to restore order and ensure that accountability prevails over misinformation. 

This unfolding situation not only highlights the challenges facing Nairobi but also underscores the need for accurate reporting and responsible leadership amid politically charged events. The coming days will likely see increased scrutiny over claims made during these sensitive times, with citizens eagerly awaiting further clarifications from both the government and those implicated in the unrest. 

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the situation in Nairobi continues to evolve.