Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja responded to an appeal by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after protests erupted over plans to relocate Wakulima market traders to the Kangundo market.
The traders expressed concerns that the Kangundo market was already occupied and feared eviction from the Wakulima market would lead to job losses.
Deputy President Gachagua, via his social media, reminded Governor Sakaja of their earlier promise to uplift the livelihoods of Kenyans. He recalls explicitly their 2022 campaign in Muthurwa, where they pledged not to disrupt traders' economic activities.
Gachagua emphasized the need for Sakaja to meet with the traders' leadership to ensure any changes in market operations wouldn't negatively impact their livelihoods. He noted that the traders had trusted Sakaja by voting for him and deserved an opportunity to voice their concerns.
Did you read this?
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.
— H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH (@rigathi) September 12, 2024
Gachagua also acknowledged the traders' plea and, in a somewhat personal tone, mentioned that they were reaching out to him because of the trust he had vouched for during the campaign. He urged Sakaja to consider their situation.
Governor Sakaja responded briefly, encouraging the Deputy President to contact him directly rather than through social media. He pointed out that Gachagua had his phone number.
Earlier in 2023, the two leaders publicly disagreed regarding the management of Nairobi's affairs, though they later claimed to have resolved their differences.
In defense of the relocation plans, the Nairobi County government cited the need to address issues such as congestion, health hazards, and waste management in the city.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining public trust and addressing necessary urban management challenges in Nairobi.
