Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his dissatisfaction with the harassment of hawkers in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
Speaking on Thursday, November 30 during the Hustler Fund's first anniversary celebrations in Nairobi, the Deputy President said the hawkers are important people in society and should be allowed to earn a living.
“I take this opportunity to ask our leaders in all counties across Kenya, even here in Nairobi, to recognize the importance of these hustlers. They are significant individuals who should be given the chance to work and provide for their families,” said Gachagua.
He added "When they enter the streets, they don't have a problem with anyone, all they do is to sell their goods and go home afterward. I urge our elected leaders to love and support these hustlers just as they loved us when they voted for us."
Gachagua asked counties not to be pushed by rich people to chase away the hawkers from towns adding that they are the reason why the Kenya Kwanza government won the 2022 general election.
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"Those people with wealth did not support us during the election period. It was the hustlers who stood with us. Therefore, we ask the leaders of county governments to unite with the national government in dignifying the hustler nation, which is responsible for us being in the positions we occupy today,” the deputy president continued.
His remarks come days after Ndagire Renova, a 14-year-old minor from Burundi was harassed and his groundnut stock destroyed by the Nairobi county officers.
The incident sparked Kenyans online forcing Governor Sakaja to meet the Renova at his office.
In a statement, Sakaja disclosed that he had engaged with the Ambassador of Burundi to Kenya Evelyne Habonimana to ensure the boy resumes school.
"The County has engaged the Ambassador of Burundi to Kenya Ms Ntahonkuriye Emmernece to ensure the young man is supported in his best interests to resume school and secure a brighter future,” the statement read.
The Nairobi county boss on Wednesday suspended three officers over harassment of traders in the Nairobi CBD.
