Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Governor Johnson Sakaja has distanced himself from the chaos witnessed in the capital during the anti-Albert Ojwang's murder protests.

The Nairobi governor came under sharp criticism after armed goons infiltrated peaceful demonstrations.

A section of leaders accused Sakaja of hiring baton-wielding individuals to harass demonstrators in the city.

However, in a statement on Sunday, June 22, Sakaja strongly denied any links to the goons, who were allegedly paid to cause chaos.

The governor termed the accusations "false, malicious and politically motivated allegations", stating that his opponents hired the goons to tarnish his image.

"I would like to say it for the record: I have never and will never sponsor violence of any kind. 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. I have never used violence to gain power, and I never will—my record speaks for itself," Sakaja said.

Sakaja further cautioned Kenyans against causing chaos during the planned June 25 Occupy Parliament commemoration protests.

He warned that he would not allow criminal elements to exploit the democratic space and bring anarchy to peaceful demonstrations.

"I urge all Kenyans and the people of Nairobi to reject violence and criminal behaviour as they take to the streets this coming week. I have spoken to the command of the police to assure peaceful demonstrators that they will be protected as they express their rights," he added.

Sakaja emphasised that his officers will have to protect lives and property during the planned demonstrations.

"Let everyone respect the law. Violence, riots, and chaos are not signs of democracy, and there will be no such thing going forward. We will protect our city and beloved country in accordance with the law," he warned.

In related news, Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale accused the Nairobi governor of exploiting vulnerable youths to disrupt peaceful protests.

Speaking on Saturday, June 21, Khalwale claimed Sakaja allegedly mobilised youths from informal settlements in Kawangware, Kibra, and Mathare, arming them with crude weapons such as clubs and knives.

Khalwale’s comments come after several hired youths contributed to the chaos during the protests in Nairobi, where businesses were looted and peaceful demonstrators were assaulted.

The senator also recounted a recent bullfighting event where children were heard chanting that the government is failing them.

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also linked Sakaa to the violence witnessed during last week's demonstrations following the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang.

Source: TUKO.co.ke