Editor's Review

During his morning market tours, Gachagua had accused Sakaja of mistreating the traders.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called out Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for politicising various policies being implemented in the county.

In a statement issued after the DP toured various markets in the City, Sakaja accused the DP of playing tribal politics to gain political mileage.

The governor refuted allegations that he was out to punish traders perceived to be from the Mt Kenya region.

"This morning, in a misinformed tribal diatribe, and while speaking in vernacular in the heart of our nation’s capital, you have chosen to use falsehoods to incite traders against the measures we are taking," he stated.

"A leader of your calibre should provide informed solutions and not stoke tribal disunity in our country. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan global hub that will operate in an orderly manner. I can assure you of that. I know you are dealing with other weighty and impending political issues."

File image of Deputy President Riagthi Gachagua addressing traders at OTC on September 20, 2024.

He added that it was unfortunate that the DP and his allies had resorted to attacking him instead of reaching out to him over the planned relocation of traders.

In the meantime he instead that his government would continue creating order within the CBD noting traders needed to operate within designated areas of the CBD.

"What we will not allow are traders endangering their lives by selling their wares on the roadside. They will move to Kangundo Road Market," the governor added.

"However, if you have sufficient space outside your office on Harambee Avenue, I am sure they will be happy to display their wares and ply their trade in that safe environment."

During his morning market tours, Gachagua had accused Sakaja of mistreating the traders who supported his gubernatorial seat.