- The DP asked Sakaja to address the traders' issues according to the constitution.
- On Thursday, the traders staged protests engaging police in running battles.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja not to relocate Wakulima Market traders to the Kangundo Road market.
In a statement on Facebook, Gachagua addressed Sakaja saying traders have contacted him to defend them.
The DP asked Sakaja to address the traders' issues according to the constitution.
On Thursday, the traders staged protests engaging police in running battles.
The move sparked protests earlier Thursday that saw police engage traders in running battles.
They protested their relocation from the overcrowded Wakulima Market to Kangundo Road Market.
However, Gachagua has called on Sakaja to ensure public participation before the move's effect.
"My younger brother Governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market, 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," Gachagua said.
"We committed that our administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities. Our Constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that seriously impact our citizens' welfare are taken."
Gachagua said that the Nairobi boss should hold a meeting with the leadership to chart the way forward without affecting their livelihoods.
He said that the traders overwhelmingly voted for Sakaja and to repay them, he should listen to their grievances.
"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 said.
Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali confirmed the county's plan to relocate traders from Wakulima Market to Kangundo Road Market.
The county says the relocation is necessary to address critical health, waste management, and law enforcement concerns plaguing the city.
Akumali said traders most affected by the relocation will be those dealing in potatoes, pineapples, oranges, and onions.
This, he said, is because their operations at Wakulima Market have exacerbated health risks due to severe overcrowding.
“The congestion at Wakulima Market has created conditions conducive to the spread of waterborne diseases,” Akumali stated.
“It is our constitutional duty to ensure a clean and safe environment for all residents.”
Nairobi's County Executive Committee Member for Business and Hustlers' Opportunities Anastacia Nyalita, explained that the overcrowding has made effective waste management nearly impossible.
“The waste problem is worsening by the day, and this is a core responsibility of the county administration,” Nyalita said.
Overflowing trash and unmanaged litter have turned the market into an environmental and public health hazard.
Beyond the health concerns, law enforcement and traffic management have also been affected.
Kangundo Road Market, which is strategically located near major highways, promises new business opportunities and features sufficient parking for trucks and lorries, a key advantage over Wakulima.
The county also assured that security measures would be in place to protect traders and their livelihoods.
However, the relocation plan has been met with resistance.
Akumali revealed that during the unrest, the county's central stores were set ablaze, fire engines were attacked, and staff members were injured.
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Image: FILE