- While addressing Sakaja, the DP asked Sakaja to address the traders' issues according to the constitution.
- Gachagua has called on Sakaja to ensure public participation before the move's effect.
Image: FILE
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has subtly responded to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the relocation of traders.
On Thursday evening, Gachagua took to Facebook to address the Nairobi Governor.
He asked Gachagua to address the issues traders have raised without affecting their livelihoods.
On Thursday, traders staged protests engaging police in running battles to demonstrate against the county's move to relocate them from Wakulima Market to Kangundo Road Market.
However, in a subtle response to Gachagua, Sakaja said that the DP should address him via a call.
"My elder brother H.E. Rigathi Gachagua. You have my number," he said in a statement on Facebook.
While addressing Sakaja, the DP asked Sakaja to address the traders' issues according to the constitution.
Gachagua has called on Sakaja to ensure public participation before the move's effect.
The DP 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.
The county said 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.
Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali confirmed the county's plan to relocate traders from Wakulima Market to Kangundo Road Market.