The High Court in Nairobi has thrown out an application by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja seeking to stop journalists from publishing stories linking him to violence during the June 17 Gen Z protests.
Sakaja had moved to court on June 19, 2025 accusing a media company and two reporters, Evans Habii and Nyaboge Kiage, of defaming him. He claimed the story carried his photograph and wrongly branded him a sponsor of chaos.
“The publication was malicious and intended to paint me as the face of violence in Nairobi. It has ruined my name and continues to injure my family and my service to the people,” Sakaja stated in his affidavit.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a past event. Photo: NTV Kenya Source: Facebook
The defendants opposed the case, saying their report was based on actual events and statements made during the anti Finance Bill demonstrations. They maintained that their story was accurate and in line with journalistic duty.
Justice Sifuna dismissed the governor’s request for an injunction.
“This court will not muzzle the press at an interim stage. The question of whether the story was defamatory is a matter for trial,” the judge said. The case will now proceed to a full hearing.
The ruling has sparked fresh criticism of Sakaja’s leadership at City Hall. Activist Carol Nyambura told reporters, “Instead of addressing the real issues affecting Nairobi such as joblessness, water shortage and insecurity, Sakaja has wasted time chasing after journalists. This shows his disconnect from the people he was elected to serve.”
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja looking emotional durng a past event. Photo: Nation Source: Facebook.
Residents have increasingly accused the governor of presiding over a city plagued with uncollected garbage, collapsing infrastructure and poor health services. Many argue that his energy is spent defending his image rather than fixing problems on the ground.
“We do not want court dramas, we want working street lights and clean water,” said James Kariuki, a boda boda rider in Eastlands.
The case has become another blow to a governor whose promises of change remain unfulfilled. With Nairobi sinking under waste and unemployment, Sakaja’s failed court bid has only deepened perceptions of incompetence and failed leadership.