Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has launched a scathing attack on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, accusing him of exploiting vulnerable youths from informal settlements to disrupt peaceful protests.

In a statement, Khalwale also called on President William Ruto to urgently listen to the plight of Kenyans amid mounting frustrations and increasing cases of police brutality.

The Kakamega Senator accused Governor Sakaja of allegedly recruiting young men from areas such as Kawangware, Kibra, and Mathare to carry out acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators in Nairobi’s CBD.

He warned that such actions not only betrayed the trust of voters but also endangered the future of the very youth who had once supported Sakaja at the ballot box.

“Sakaja, you were elected by the people of Nairobi, many of whom are Luhyas proud of your roots in Ikolomani, Kakamega. But this habit of recruiting our children from Kawangware to commit crime must stop,” Khalwale said.

“These young people voted for you so they could get jobs, not to be drawn into criminal activities. When they were asked who sent them, they said, ‘Sakaja.’ Stop playing with the children of the poor. If you continue, we will take you back to your homeland—we will not allow you to destroy our children,” he added.

Khalwale further expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the country’s health sector, citing lack of drugs, inadequate staffing, and systemic collapse.

He argued that while the government has focused on introducing policies like the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), these do not address the core problems facing Kenyans.

“Their problem is not SHA or SHIF. Their problem is the lack of essential drugs, inadequate medical staff, and a collapsed health system,” he said.

The senator also highlighted sentiments voiced by children during a recent bullfighting event in Western Kenya, where they chanted about the government’s failures. According to Khalwale, these chants were a clear reflection of the broader discontent being felt across the country.

He also called for the immediate arrest of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, over alleged police brutality witnessed during the protests.

Meanwhile, the senator called for reforms in the education sector, including the restoration of bursary programs to national government oversight and the reinstatement of free education policies.

Written by Achitsa Karen.