Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. /JOHNSON SAKAJA/X

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has come out to defend his reputation following allegations that he was behind the hiring of goons who caused mayhem during Tuesday’s protests.

In a statement on Sunday, June 22, Sakaja described the accusations as "false, malicious and politically motivated allegations".

"I would like to say it for the record; I have never and will never sponsor violence of any kind," Sakaja said in a video statement.

Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi were called to condemn police brutality following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’.

What began as a peaceful march quickly descended into chaos when goons infiltrated the crowd.

Baton-wielding individuals descended upon the city and disrupted the demonstrations, as police watched—seemingly welcoming the extra hand to deal with the protesters, who were mostly Gen Z.

Businesses were looted, streets turned violent, and tear gas choked the air.

The presence of the goons muddied the message, hijacking a solemn call for justice and accountability—especially after a face mask vendor was shot at close range in the head during the ensuing melee.

Protesters scattered as the confrontation escalated, leaving behind bloodied pavements and unanswered questions about who unleashed the violence—and why.

Some of the goons who allegedly took part in instigating the chaos have come out to claim they were paid to do the dirty work.

Sakaja said he had noted with concern that he had been linked to the financing of the goons, something he insists is completely false.

"My entire political life has been anchored on siasa safi (clean politics), which upholds human dignity, the rule of law and the democratic right of every Kenyan," he said.

"I have never used violence to gain power and I never will—my record speaks for itself."

The city boss said the allegations are not only false but "desperate attempts by well-known individuals whose political careers are marked by violence, intimidation (and) chaos".

Sakaja said the unnamed individuals had cheapened the cause of the young people by hiring goons to taint their solemn call for justice and accountability—even going as far as giving them county paraphernalia to create the impression that they work for the Nairobi County Government or that they are his supporters.

"Nothing is further from the truth. I urge you, Nairobians, not to be deceived. Let us not allow rogue politicians to hijack serious matters for selfish gain."

Sakaja called for justice following the wounding of peaceful demonstrators, including the shooting of face mask vendor Boniface Kariuki, who remains admitted in ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital.

"Shifting focus to unverified claims against me is not only dishonest, it dishonours the victims and the business owners who are counting losses in terms of millions. I urge relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations and bring these individuals to justice."

Sakaja’s remarks come as Kenyans plan a peaceful memorial march in Nairobi on June 25, to honour victims of police brutality during the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.

Police have pledged to provide security, though fears of goon infiltration persist.