Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi has mandated the prompt return of all goods seized by law enforcement officers who went after street food vendors on Wednesday.
The Nairobi Governor expressed regret for the events in the CBD in a statement on X, the previous Twitter platform, and promised to take appropriate measures against those found responsible.
"We have had cordial relations with informal traders for a year but lately there have been unfortunate incidences that seek to sabotage that. We will take disciplinary action," Sakaja said.
"I have ordered the immediate release of all confiscated items, apologized to the traders, and personally compensated each of them with 10,000 shillings each.
Did you read this?
The happenings in the CBD earlier today were most unfortunate.
— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) October 18, 2023
This is not the way to treat Nairobians as we have continually implored our officers to treat Nairobians with Dignity.
We have had cordial relations with informal traders for a year but lately there have been… pic.twitter.com/XSWJHQLOS1
Sakaja pointed out that although the traders might have operated without the required paperwork, there were better ways to go than their evictionwasn't.
"Operating without the required documentation, including a Medical Certificate from Public Health that every food handler must-have for the safety of Nairobians, they did not deserve such treatment and we are dealing with this internally."
Sakaja's action is in response to public outcry after Nairobi County Inspectorate officers raided well-known "smokie-mayai" vendors on Wednesday, leaving a path of devastation in their wake.
Kanjo Askaris attacked her and took KSH. 400,000 from her. Will Sakaja compensate her with KSH. 10,000? Who gives Kanjo orders, if not the governor? It's sad that the Sakaja administration has allowed ruthless handling of Nairobians and traders by the inhumane Kanjo Askaris! pic.twitter.com/34u1PuhOV5
— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) October 19, 2023
Online images of defaced trollies, which smokie-mayai merchants frequently use, were scattered throughout the streets, their owners standing by tallying their losses.
Another image showed multiple trollies that the county askaris had seized, heaped up, and put onto a vehicle.
In addition, smokies and eggs were scattered on the street, along with shattered glass next to them, showing the devastation caused by the conflict between the hawkers and the police.
Governor Sakaja was criticized earlier by President William Ruto's chief economic advisor, David Ndii, for the county cops' raid on food vendors on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Ndii criticized the county executive for the directive on X, the previous Twitter platform. He claimed that Sakaja's election was not in line with the 'Hustler Narrative,' promoted by President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government.
