Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to consider having a meeting with the leadership of the Wakulima market after protests erupted in the market on Thursday, September 12 morning.
In a statement via his X handle, Gachagua said traders from Wakulima Market called him and reminded him of the commitment he and Sakaja gave them in July 2022.
The DP pointed out that the constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that have a serious impact on the welfare of our citizens, are taken.
“My younger brother Governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market in Nairobi County, have called me and reminded me of the undertaking you and I jointly gave them in July 2022 as I campaigned for you in Muthurwa.
“We gave a commitment that our Administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities,” said Gachagua.
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The second in command urged Sakaja to resolve the row between Wakulima market traders and the Nairobi County administration saying the traders gave him their trust and vote during the 2022 general election.
“Kindly, do consider having a sitting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes your 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,” Gachagua remarked.
He further asked Governor Sakaja to forgive him for intervening in the matter saying he was his guarantor ahead of the 2022 general elections.
“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,” Gachagua added.
Traders from Wakulima market on Thursday staged protests opposing the county's plan to relocate them to Kangundo Market.
Roads leading to Nairobi CBD were temporarily blocked with stones and bonfires before police were deployed to restore order.
In the notice dated September 10, acting Nairobi County secretary Godfrey Akumali ordered traders to move toKangundo Road saying the move was aimed at easing congestion in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
