Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has overturned a directive issued earlier this week, granting county officers, commonly referred to as “kanjos,” the authority to apprehend individuals who record them during their operations within the county.
In a session held at the Nairobi County Assembly on Thursday, Sakaja clarified the rights of Kenyans to record these officers, provided such actions do not obstruct the officers from executing their duties. He emphasized instances where citizens had impeded “kanjos” from carrying out their responsibilities.
Sakaja made it unequivocally clear that there is no prohibition on recording officers while they perform their duties, citing it as a means to enhance accountability. He even stated that individuals could go as far as filming movies if they wished.
Nevertheless, he firmly denounced any form of obstruction or incitement against the officers while on duty, citing regrettable incidents where officers had been subjected to attacks. Sakaja stressed the unacceptability of such behavior and vowed to take a strong stance against it.
He issued a stern warning to Nairobi residents, cautioning them against obstructing “kanjos” during their duties, reminding them of the legal repercussions such actions entail under Kenyan law.
Sakaja reiterated the community’s desire for a well-ordered city and pledged to uphold this standard. He urged members of the Assembly to support the protection of “kanjos” while ensuring they remain accountable for their actions.
Addressing the Assembly members, Sakaja called for their cooperation in safeguarding the officers while also holding them accountable for their conduct and treatment of Nairobi residents. This, he emphasized, is a commitment that the administration intends to uphold steadfastly.
