Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Monday, September 23, revealed when he began to politically differ with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Sakaja made the remarks during an interview on Spice FM, days after the two leaders had a fierce exchange over relocation of city traders.
“The first thing that created a problem with the Deputy President was when I started with a broad-based approach after assuming office.
I appointed County Executive Committee Members (CECs) from the Wiper Party and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). This decision did not sit well with him,” Sakaja claimed.
Sakaja argued that he made that bold decision to handle the politics of Nairobi County because the majority of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) in Nairobi were elected under the Azimio coalition.
Why Sakaja Appointed
He further said bringing on board Azimio members in his County Government leadership was to ensure that all his development agenda that he had planned for Nairobi residents to sail through in the Nairobi County Assembly.
He pointed out that if he would have not made that decision many projects would have stalled in the county.
Sakaja also claimed that he had held consultations with President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga before appointing the CECs, from whom he received their blessings.
Also read: Sakaja on the Spot for Operating 23 Bank Accounts
For a while the Nairobi County boss has differed with Gachagua on several occasions, recent being the relocation of Wakulima Market traders in Marikiti.
On September 12, Sakaja issued a statement explaining why he intends to relocate the Wakulima Market Traders.
Among the reasons was the current state of the market which has created significant congestion, with traders exceeding the intended capacity of 1,200, by three times.
Relocating Wakulima Market Traders
According to the county chief, the influx of trucks and lorries delivering goods in the market has also obstructed important roads and junctions, exacerbating the issue.
Furthermore, the overwhelming number of traders has blocked walkways and disrupted the business of other vendors.
Another reason he gave for relocating traders to the Kangundo Market, which has over 5,000 available slots, is that Wakulima Market poses serious health risks, creating conditions ripe for waterborne diseases.
Also read: Sakaja Issues Way Forward Concerning Wakulima Traders Relocation
Meanwhile Gachagua criticized Sakaja’s move to relocate the traders arguing that relocation would disrupt the livelihoods of those traders which the Kenya Kwanza government administration had promised during the 2022 general elections.
The second in command instead 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.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
