This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
On July 17, 2020, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja was taken into custody by police in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, Kenya, after he was found to be drinking past the COVID-19 curfew hours.
According to Nairobi Police Boss Philip Ndolo, the Senator was advised to leave the bar but refused, becoming violent and daring police officers to handcuff him.
After spending the night in custody with two other individuals, Sakaja was released at approximately 6:00 am on Saturday, July 18, 2020, as per the regional police chief.
However, Sakaja denied the arrest, stating on Twitter, "Never been arrested. Won't be. Show me an OB Number," at 8:59 am on Saturday, July 18, 2020.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing Sakaja in custody.
