Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a bold call to action, urging city residents to directly confront and apprehend individuals vandalizing public property in the capital. Speaking during a press briefing, Sakaja emphasized that security is not only the responsibility of the police but also a collective duty of every Nairobi citizen.
His directive comes amid rising concerns about vandalism of public lighting and infrastructure, which has emboldened criminals in Nairobi to operate freely, particularly in the Central Business District (CBD).
Criminals in Nairobi Targeting Public Property
Governor Sakaja’s remarks underline a growing crisis in the city. Despite efforts to tighten security through collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service, vandals continue to damage essential infrastructure.
According to Sakaja, some individuals have deliberately destroyed public lighting in the CBD. This, he said, creates perfect conditions for criminals in Nairobi to thrive, with poorly lit streets becoming hotbeds of theft and violent attacks.
The governor stated that vandalism is more than just a nuisance—it is a direct sabotage of taxpayer-funded development. “That infrastructure has been placed there using your money. Anyone caught will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
To support citizen involvement, the county government has rolled out a toll-free number, 988, where residents can report suspicious activity. Sakaja noted that while the government is committed to repairing and installing more lights with the support of Kenya Power, citizens must also take responsibility by reporting vandals.
He added that the county is engaging business owners in the CBD to comply with by-laws that require them to install external CCTV cameras and proper lighting. “Other cities around the world have their business community actively supporting security, and Nairobi cannot be left behind,” Sakaja said.
Sakaja Engages Business Owners in Security Plans
The governor revealed that a structured partnership with the business community is underway to improve security in the CBD. Building owners will be expected to put up CCTV cameras and external lighting, which will both deter vandals and help police track down suspects.
Sakaja argued that security cannot be left in the hands of government alone. He insisted that Nairobi residents, business owners, and law enforcement agencies must pull in the same direction to secure the city.
He stressed that when he took office, crime was rampant in the CBD, but working with police had restored order. “We shall not allow Nairobi to go back to those dark days,” he asserted.
Boda Boda Operators Warned Against Criminal Ties
Beyond vandalism, Sakaja also addressed the boda boda sector, which has often been linked to petty crimes and harassment in the CBD. He noted that the county government had already agreed with the boda boda association on designated pick-up and drop-off points.
The operators are now required to form Saccos, which will make it easier to regulate their activities and weed out rogue riders. “Many boda boda operators are hardworking citizens, but a few individuals are tarnishing their image,” Sakaja said.
He cautioned that anyone found operating outside the agreed zones will be arrested without compromise. “If you are outside the designated areas, we shall apprehend you, and there is nothing you can do about it,” he added firmly.
The governor’s firm stance reflects his administration’s commitment to tightening order in the capital, particularly in areas where criminals in Nairobi exploit weak regulation and loopholes in enforcement.
The Bigger Picture
Sakaja’s directive has sparked debate on whether urging residents to “institute apprehension” is the right approach. Critics argue that it may encourage mob justice and place civilians in danger. However, the governor insists that citizen involvement is necessary to combat lawlessness effectively.
The introduction of a toll-free number, the push for more surveillance, and stern measures against rogue boda boda operators all form part of Sakaja’s broader security plan. His administration appears determined to ensure that Nairobi remains a safe business hub and a city where residents can walk freely without fear.
The bigger question remains whether this partnership between the public and government will be effective in taming criminals in Nairobi, or whether it will expose ordinary citizens to risks the police should shoulder.
