The usually bustling Kimathi Street turned into a scene of chaos yesterday after an audacious attack by a group of organized goons who vandalized and looted shops housed at the iconic Nanak House building in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has shaken the business community and sparked intense political debate following allegations that Nairobi Governor Johnson Arthur Sakaja could be linked to the violence.
The raid left several informal traders counting losses amounting to millions of shillings. Eyewitnesses described the attackers as “coordinated, aggressive, and fearless,” operating in groups that moved swiftly through electronics and accessory shops, grabbing merchandise before melting away into nearby alleys.
Allegations Point to Political Sponsorship
Former KICC Chairman Irungu Nyakera ignited the controversy after accusing Governor Sakaja of mobilizing the gang responsible for the CBD vandalism. Speaking to journalists hours after the incident, Nyakera claimed the attack was not random but a deliberate attempt to intimidate and weaken business operators allegedly resisting certain county directives.
“What happened yesterday was deliberate. The governor has mobilized thugs to create fear and disrupt legitimate businesses in the CBD,” Nyakera charged, adding that such actions amount to “an abuse of public office that risks collapsing Nairobi’s business environment.”
Nyakera’s allegations echo earlier confessions made by some of the same street goons during the heated anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024, where they allegedly admitted to being financed by the city boss to infiltrate demonstrations and neutralize opposition-friendly mobilizations. Though these claims remain unverified, they have resurfaced in the wake of the Kimathi Street incident, raising questions about whether Nairobi’s political turf wars are now spilling into economic sabotage.
The Sakaja–Babu Owino Rivalry: A Brewing 2027 Showdown
The timing of the chaos is politically sensitive. Governor Sakaja is facing mounting pressure as his administration battles accusations of inefficiency, corruption, and an increasingly strained relationship with key city stakeholders. Adding to his woes is the growing influence of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has openly hinted at running for Nairobi governor in 2027.
Political insiders view the CBD attack as part of the high-stakes rivalry between Sakaja and Babu, who have been trading subtle barbs over the management of Nairobi County and the city’s future. Babu, positioning himself as a “pro-business, pro-people” leader, has criticized what he terms “the county’s culture of intimidation and rent-seeking,” a narrative that resonates strongly with traders and small-scale entrepreneurs in the CBD.
Observers suggest that if Sakaja is indeed linked to such disruptive tactics, it could backfire politically by reinforcing Babu’s claims and alienating the business community—a vital constituency in Nairobi politics.
The Anatomy of the Kimathi Street Attack
Security footage and eyewitness accounts paint a picture of a meticulously executed operation. Witnesses claim the attackers moved in groups of 10–15, armed with crude weapons and communication gadgets, suggesting some level of coordination.
“They came shouting political slogans, creating panic before they started breaking into stalls,” said one electronics trader who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. “They took phones, accessories, and cash. Some even carried sacks.”
Curiously, several victims reported that the attackers appeared confident they would face no immediate repercussions, a factor fueling speculation about political protection and complicity within enforcement agencies.
Business Community in Fear, Investors on Edge
The incident has triggered panic among small-scale traders and formal businesses, many of whom fear a repeat of such attacks. Nairobi, East Africa’s commercial hub, thrives on investor confidence—something analysts warn is now under threat.
“This is not just about vandalism; it’s about the perception of lawlessness in the heart of Nairobi,” says Dr. Ruth Mwangi, a governance expert. “When political interests weaponize violence against businesses, it sends a chilling message to investors and undermines the city’s economic foundation.”
Governor Silent as Pressure Mounts
Governor Sakaja is yet to issue an official statement on the Nanak House chaos. His administration, in past similar cases, has maintained that county operations in the CBD are aimed at enforcing regulations, rooting out illegal structures, and restoring order. However, this latest episode—combined with the resurfaced allegations of goon financing during the anti-Finance Bill protests—raises difficult questions for City Hall.
Efforts to reach the Governor’s communication team for comment were unsuccessful by press time.
The Bigger Picture: Politics, Power, and Control of Nairobi
The fight for control of Nairobi is shaping up as one of the most consequential political battles ahead of 2027. With Nairobi commanding a massive voter base and being the country’s economic nerve center, the governor’s seat is a prized trophy. Sakaja, elected in 2022 under a UDA ticket, faces internal party scrutiny and external rivals like Babu Owino, who enjoys a youthful, urban support base and has the backing of ODM loyalists disillusioned with current city leadership.
Political strategists warn that the Sakaja–Babu showdown could mirror previous Nairobi political wars marked by high-stakes brinkmanship, propaganda wars, and, as seen now, alleged street-level intimidation tactics.
Unanswered Questions
Were the Kimathi Street attackers acting under political instructions, and if so, who is bankrolling them?
Why has Governor Sakaja remained silent on allegations that directly implicate his office?
Could this incident be a harbinger of a more violent, chaotic road to 2027?
As Nairobi grapples with these questions, one thing is clear: the intersection of politics, business, and street violence in the capital city poses a grave threat to both security and democracy.
The Nanak House looting is more than just a criminal incident—it’s a window into Nairobi’s deepening political intrigues and the dangerous nexus between power and street muscle. Unless addressed decisively, it could set a precedent where economic sabotage becomes a tool in Kenya’s electoral chess game.
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