Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja following protests by traders who are being relocated from Muthurwa Market to Kangundo Road market.
In a statement on Thursday, September 12, Gachagua revealed that traders from Wakulima Market in Nairobi County have reached out to him, reminding him of the commitment made by Sakaja and himself during the July 2022 campaign in Muthurwa.
“We gave a commitment that our administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities,” Gachagua said.
“Our Constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that have a serious impact on the welfare of our citizens are taken.”
Gachagua Asks Sakaja to Call for Dialogue
He urged Sakaja to consider having a meeting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes his government desires without adversely affecting their livelihoods.
“These traders gave you their trust and vote and it is only fair you give them an ear,” he added.
“Kindly, forgive me if I appear intrusive, but they are coming to me as I was your guarantor in matters of trust, please my brother.”
Also Read: Roads Closed, Buildings on Fire as Protests Break Out in Nairobi
Muthurwa Traders Protest Relocation
This comes after traders in Nairobi’s Wakulima (Marikiti) markets took to the streets to air their grievances causing a massive disruption of activities in the Nairobi Cental Business District (CBD).
The Marikiti traders staged protests as early as 3 am in the morning blocking traffic on major roads to and out of Nairobi including sections of Haile Sellasie Avenue and Jogoo Road.
Traffic was heavily affected along Haile Sellasie Avenue as it was blocked from the Jogoo Road and Moi Avenue roundabout directions.
The traders lit bonfires lit along Haile Selassie Avenue and set part of the Nairobi City County askaris’ “kanjos” Yard near Marikiti market on fire.
On Tuesday September 11, acting County Secretary and Head of Public Service Godfrey Kumali issued a notice to the traders, ordering them to move to the Kangundo Road market.
“This is to bring to your attention the Nairobi City County government’s decision to decongest the Nairobi central business district for smooth vehicle traffic and human flow,” the notice reads in part.
“It has been decided that all onion, pineapple, oranges and potato traders operating outside and inside the market relocate to Kangundo Road Market where there is spacious trading space and ample parking for business”.
Also Read: Details of Sakaja’s Meeting with Azimio MCAs Hours After Being Hosted by Raila
Babu Owino Calls on Gachagua
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino while attaching the notice issued a statement demanding for the county government to respect Marikiti traders.
He claimed that some traders who had relocated to Kangundo where the county government directed were attacked by the locals.
“Nairobi County Government should respect Marikiti traders. The traders were relocated to Kangundo where they were attacked by the locals and it’s a security threat to insist on them going back there,” said the Embakasi East lawmaker.
“Nairobians have no jobs and any business they partake to pay rent, school fees and buy food should be respected.” Governor Sakaja is yet to issue a statement.
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