Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has come out strongly to deny allegations that he held a secret meeting with political mobilisers—Gaucho and Swaleh—to fund and plan violent disruptions during protests in Nairobi.
The explosive claims, widely circulated across social media and cited by unnamed sources, alleged that Sakaja had met with several individuals, including a sitting MP, an MCA, and controversial figures such as Gaucho and Swaleh, to coordinate a plan involving Ksh2 million to mobilise goons tasked with disrupting the protests using machetes and rungus.
Sakaja: “I Was Not Even in Nairobi”
In a firm rebuttal posted online and backed with travel receipts, Governor Sakaja stated that he was in Lugari for a church event on Sunday, June 15, and returned to Nairobi the following Monday via Kitale.
“Such blatant lies. On Sunday, I was in Lugari for Church and came back to Nairobi on Monday afternoon through Kitale. Ticket below,” said Sakaja in a social media post.
“I have not seen Gaucho since he attended the Mukuru Housing Launch or Swaleh in many months,” he added.
The travel documents provided by the governor indicated that he departed Kitale for Nairobi on Monday, June 16, at 10 am, countering claims that he was present in the capital on the day the alleged meeting took place.
Gaucho Also Denies Allegations
Gaucho, a well-known political mobiliser and activist, also refuted the claims, stating that he was not even in the country when the alleged meeting was said to have taken place.
“I was not in Kenya at the time, and I have not met the governor in any capacity to plan anything,” he said.
Gaucho dismissed the allegations as fabricated lies, intended to discredit him and incite public anger.
Nairobi CBD Erupts in Protest and Chaos
The accusations came in the wake of intense protests that rocked Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, June 17. Youths took to the streets demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a young man who allegedly died while in police custody under controversial circumstances.
What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly descended into violence, looting, and running battles between protesters and anti-riot police. Several city businesses were vandalised, with video footage showing masked individuals destroying property and attacking innocent bystanders.
According to eyewitness reports, some of the youths were not familiar faces in the community and appeared to have been “brought in from outside,” lending weight to claims of political infiltration.
Governor Condemns Violence, Calls for Police Action
Governor Sakaja has strongly condemned the violence, reiterating that his office had no involvement in any form of mobilisation or funding of the individuals responsible.
“We strongly condemn the destruction of public and private property witnessed last week, perpetrated by hired goons brought in from outside Nairobi,” the governor stated.
He called on the National Police Service to intensify investigations and apprehend the culprits responsible for the chaos and looting.
“These are criminals who must be treated as such. I urge the police to act swiftly and restore confidence in law and order.”
Political Tensions and Misinformation Surge
The situation highlights growing political tension in Nairobi, with increased protests against police brutality and corruption. In such a charged atmosphere, misinformation and blame games appear to be fueling divisions, with leaders across the spectrum being accused of hidden agendas.
Observers believe the allegations against Sakaja may be part of a broader political strategy aimed at undermining his leadership at a time when Nairobi is facing heightened public scrutiny over urban insecurity, policing issues, and housing policies.
Legal and Ethical Questions Arise
If indeed the allegations are proven false, they raise serious concerns about the misuse of misinformation to defame public officials and incite unrest. Political analyst Mercy Wambua noted:
“Weaponising misinformation in moments of national tension is dangerous. It can trigger violence and erode public trust in institutions.”
However, if there is any truth to the claims—though currently unsupported by credible evidence—it would signal a deep breach of public trust and potential criminal liability.
Conclusion: Awaiting Investigations
As it stands, no official evidence has been presented linking Governor Sakaja or Gaucho to the organisation or funding of the protest chaos. Both individuals have denied any involvement, and Sakaja has provided travel documents to support his alibi.
The National Police Service has yet to issue a formal statement on the allegations, though investigations into the protests and associated criminal activity are reportedly ongoing.
This case underscores the critical need for transparency, responsible political discourse, and the protection of public institutions from false accusations. Whether the allegations hold water or not, one fact remains clear: Nairobi remains on edge, and truth must prevail to restore order and public confidence.