The outspoken lawyer and political analyst Willis Otieno has launched a scathing attack on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, accusing him of hypocrisy, dishonesty, and direct involvement in orchestrating violence on city streets.
In a fiery statement issued on his X official account Monday, June 23, 2025, Otieno dismissed Sakaja’s recent public calls for peace and order as deceptive, accusing him of enabling and protecting violent groups used to suppress dissent and intimidate opponents.
“Sakaja, stop lying to the nation with a straight face,” Otieno declared.
“You don’t just walk with goons but also deploy them. You fund them, protect them, and send them to maim and loot while quoting the Bible.”
Otieno’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the rise in politically linked violence in Nairobi, particularly during protests and civic demonstrations.
Several civil society groups have raised alarm over the presence of unidentified men in plain clothes seen collaborating with police during violent crackdowns — a trend that Otieno claims links directly back to the county leadership.
“You’re not the face of peace,” Otieno charged. “You’re the godfather of street terror.”
His sharp rebuke follows recent incidents during public protests where individuals unaffiliated with any official security agency were seen attacking demonstrators, looting businesses, and harassing journalists. Otieno said the individuals were not rogue actors but coordinated operatives with political backing.
“When blood is spilt, it’s your boys in plain clothes doing the dirty work,” he said. “Don’t come preaching peace after feeding chaos.”
While the Nairobi County Government has formally responded to the accusations, Otieno’s remarks have ignited debate online and within political circles, with many questioning whether there is the truth behind the growing number of reports linking county leadership to street-level violence.
Otieno called on the public to demand accountability from leaders who, while appearing statesmanlike in front of cameras, allegedly sponsor chaos behind the scenes.
“This country deserves leaders who mean what they say — not wolves in sheep’s clothing who speak of unity while weaponising the poor and vulnerable to do their bidding,” he added.
His statement adds to growing national frustration over impunity, particularly involving political actors and informal gangs often seen during election seasons or major demonstrations.
“Peace isn’t a press statement,” he concluded. “Peace is what happens when leaders stop hiding behind cameras and confront the rot they’ve allowed to flourish under their watch.”
Sakaja on Goons
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja came out to defend his reputation following allegations that he was behind the hiring of goons who caused mayhem during the protests.
In a statement on Sunday, June 22, 2025, 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.
