Sakaja Mandates Kanjos to Detain Kenyans Recording Raids

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ignited controversy with a recent directive granting kanjos the authority to apprehend individuals who record them during raids.

This decision comes in response to mounting tensions between city residents and kanjos with residents increasingly resorting to filming encounters to hold officers accountable for their actions. Governor Sakaja expresses frustration with the disruptions caused by citizens who record raids, arguing that such behaviour impedes the lawful operations of kanjos. He maintains that recording arrests constitutes obstruction of justice, particularly when citizens exploit the footage to sensationalize incidents on social media.

Furthermore, he condemns the defiance displayed by those who break city laws and resist arrest, viewing it as a disregard for the authority vested in kanjos. This directive follows a string of confrontations between residents and kanjos. Notably, on March 27, comedian Eric Omondi directly challenged the Governor after recording an instance of alleged mistreatment by law enforcement. Reports indicate that the officers swiftly departed the scene upon realizing they were being filmed.

On February 16, another incident involved a female motorist who reportedly locked a City Council Askari in her vehicle after the officer entered without permission. The driver, who allegedly refused to pay a bribe demanded by the officer, drove away with the officer still inside. Governor Sakaja's decision has sparked debate, with some residents expressing concerns about potential abuse of power by kanjos.

They argue that the ability to detain individuals filming their actions could lead to intimidation and hinder transparency. However, the Governor maintains that his administration fully supports the kanjos and encourages them to enforce the law without interference. The responsibilities of the Kanjo Askari, as outlined in the Nairobi City County Inspectorate Act of 2017, encompass various tasks and guidelines. These include conducting inspections throughout Nairobi to ensure that the functions of the county government adhere to established standards.

The act states that these officers are responsible for regulating and managing traffic on county roads, as well as maintaining order and preventing disruptions in public areas within the county. Section 20 of the act empowers Kanjo Askari on duty to stop individuals suspected or witnessed to be violating county laws. This includes those found in possession of items that, according to county law, require a permit, license, certificate, or pass, but who lack the necessary documentation.