On June 17, 2025, Nairobi was thrown into chaos during a protest held in memory of the late blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
What was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration turned into violence and looting.
Men armed with crude weapons attacked protesters and innocent civilians, stealing from them and destroying property in broad daylight.
Videos surfaced showing some of the attackers chanting slogans outside City Hall, allegedly in support of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The images raised serious concerns and sparked public anger.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino came out strongly, accusing Sakaja of being behind the violence. Babu didn’t mince his words. He described the incident as organized terror, claiming it was supported by powerful government officials.
He blamed Sakaja for sponsoring goons to disrupt a peaceful protest and attack people who were simply exercising their democratic rights.
The Standard newspaper headlines accusing Sakaja of orchestrating goons to attack peaceful protesters.
According to Babu, this wasn’t just a criminal act it was an abuse of power, and it betrayed the people of Nairobi. He demanded Sakaja’s immediate arrest and prosecution for incitement, assault, destruction of property, and abuse of office.
Sakaja quickly denied the claims. He tried to shift blame, saying the violence was carried out by goons from outside Nairobi and that his administration had nothing to do with it.
He condemned the destruction and warned that the police would take action against those found responsible.
But his explanation did little to calm the public. Many questioned how such organized violence could take place in the heart of Nairobi without the knowledge or involvement of county leadership. The fact that the attackers were seen so close to City Hall only made things look worse for him.
Sakaja’s leadership has faced criticism before. Babu Owino had earlier accused him of using heavy-handed tactics to collect taxes, calling it a form of militarization.
Nairobi County governor Johnson Sakaja. Photo credit/File
Now, with videos of suspected county-linked gangs attacking civilians, the pressure has mounted. Even on social media, people are calling for action. Activists like Otieno Will have openly demanded that Sakaja be prosecuted, accusing him of enabling lawlessness and protecting criminals.
The problem is not just about June 17. It is about a pattern. Nairobi residents have been losing faith in Sakaja’s leadership. From failed garbage collection and flooded roads to increased insecurity, the city feels like it’s slipping backward.
The violent crackdown on a peaceful protest is only the latest in a series of missteps. Nairobi is not a war zone. Its people do not deserve to live in fear of criminals allegedly protected by those in power.
If Sakaja did nothing wrong, then he should support a full and independent investigation. But the silence from his administration, apart from blanket denials, makes things worse. People want answers, not statements. They want to see justice for those who were attacked, robbed, and traumatized. And they want leaders who act to protect lives, not power.
Babu Owino is not alone in his demands. Nairobians are tired. They want a governor who leads with integrity and transparency.
