Sakaja Bans Azimio Protests in Nairobi

Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed plans by his Kisumu counterpart Prof Anyang Nyong’o, to “export” protesters to the city on Thursday.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Sakaja avowed that Nairobi had already been severely impacted by Azimio rallies and was not ready for more protests.

“The Governor of Kisumu’s idea that he can export his demonstrations to Nairobi and make our county the capital of demonstrations and associated mayhem is preposterous and totally unacceptable,” he said.

He added: “In the spirit of devolution, I would advice the Governor of Kisumu, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o to keep his demonstrations to his county.” 

Read: Kisumu Protests Suspended, Team to Join Nairobi Demos

Henceforth, Sakaja asserted that further protests and demonstrations shall not be allowed to take place within Nairobi County.

“It has been decided that further protests and demonstrations shall similarly no longer take place in any part of the city,” he said.

Governor Nyong’o on Wednesday suspended protests indefinitely to allow residents to travel to and join the Nairobi protests.

He said the decision was arrived at after detailed consultations with the Azimio national leadership and the Kisumu County Executive Committee.

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“All public demonstrations within Kisumu County have from today been suspended indefinitely so that we can join demonstrations in Nairobi,” Nyong’o said. 

Sakaja, however, said that Nairobians are not prepared for additional disturbances because they had patiently endured the protests and paid for the aftermath with their taxes.

“My administration is working round the clock to enable the city county serve not just Nairobi but the people of Kenya in realising their aspirations which is why we are obliged to protect lives and livelihoods,” he said.