Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi has defended Johnson Sakaja amid growing criticism over flooding in Nairobi following heavy rainfall.
Havi urged Kenyans to avoid placing all the blame on Sakaja after torrential rains triggered flash floods across several parts of the capital.
The floods disrupted transport, damaged property, and left many residents stranded as water filled roads and neighbourhoods.
Speaking on the issue, Havi questioned the fairness of holding the Nairobi governor responsible for the natural downpour and its immediate effects.
“Let us be fair to Johnson Sakaja. What did you want him to do? Stop the rain?” Havi posed, challenging the criticism directed at the county government.
The former Law Society of Kenya president argued that the floods reflect deeper and long-standing structural issues affecting the city rather than the actions of one administration.
Havi pointed out that many of Nairobi’s rivers and streams no longer follow their natural paths due to human interference.
“When rivers and streams have had their waterways canalised, and houses and offices are built on them, when it rains and flooding happens, should we blame that on Sakaja too?” he asked.
Havi also questioned whether other flood-related scenes circulating on social media should automatically become the governor’s responsibility.
In particular, he referenced videos showing large volumes of water flowing down sections of the elevated expressway.
“The river of water falling down the expressway, we also blame that on Johnson Sakaja?” he asked.
Havi acknowledged that his defence of the governor might not sit well with many critics but maintained that the debate must remain grounded in reality.
He added a blunt closing message to those who strongly disagree with his stance, saying critics remain free to hold their
“Today, I am defending the devil,” he remarked, in reference to Sakaja, suggesting that fairness requires acknowledging factors beyond political leadership.
