Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has hit back at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over comments made during a public address regarding the planned relocation of traders from the Wakulima/Marikiti Market.
The heated exchange came after the Deputy President criticized the Nairobi County government’s decision to move traders to a safer location, calling the move “disruptive” and “insensitive.”
Sakaja, in a strongly worded statement, condemned what he described as “misinformed tribal diatribes” from the Deputy President, emphasizing that the relocation was essential for public safety.
“If only you had taken your phone and called me as I had suggested, you would have learnt a few things,” Sakaja stated.
“My government has no plan to relocate the Marikiti Market entirely, but we will not allow traders to endanger their lives by selling on the roadside.”
The Governor’s remarks follow a recent address by the Deputy President in which he criticized the planned relocation of traders to the newly constructed Kangundo Road Market, a move aimed at decongesting the city’s central business district.
“The traders are being unfairly pushed out,” Gachagua argued, claiming the government had not adequately consulted the affected vendors.
However, Sakaja swiftly refuted these claims, asserting that consultations have been ongoing for weeks.
“My government has continuously engaged our people, and I personally met the leadership of Wakulima/Marikiti Market last week,” Sakaja explained.
“We agreed on these measures to ease congestion in the market and improve the safety and welfare of our traders and citizens.”
The relocation comes as Nairobi grapples with increasing traffic congestion and safety concerns due to congestion of hawkers in the city.
The issue has been especially poignant after a tragic incident in June 2023 when 52 traders were killed in Londiani, Kericho County, after a truck ploughed into a roadside market.
“These people cannot come back to life,” Sakaja noted solemnly.
“I have a duty and mandate that will not let me fall for populist political gimmicks at the expense of the lives and safety of Nairobians.”
The Governor also took the opportunity to stress that Nairobi’s development must prioritize public order and the safety of its residents.
“There will be order in this major artery into the city. The people of Nairobi and the leadership of the market support this move fully,” Sakaja added, signaling his administration’s commitment to continue with the relocation despite political opposition.
The exchange has highlighted growing tensions between the office of the Deputy President and Nairobi County leadership, with tribal undertones creeping into the debate.
Sakaja, however, warned against turning the issue into a political battleground.
“A leader of your calibre should provide informed solutions and not stoke tribal disunity in our country. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan global hub that will operate in an orderly manner,” he declared.
The relocation plan is part of a broader effort by the county government to modernize Nairobi’s markets, providing traders with safer, more organized environments to conduct their business.
“Selected produce will be delivered wholesale to the other markets we have built using taxpayers’ money,” Sakaja explained.
“However, if you [Gachagua] have sufficient space outside your office on Harambee Avenue, I am sure they will be happy to display their wares and ply their trade in that safe environment.”
While the Deputy President has called for further consultations, Sakaja reiterated that the county’s plans would proceed in the best interests of both traders and the city’s residents.
“We will not allow you to take us back,” Sakaja concluded, signaling that despite the political friction, Nairobi’s market modernization and relocation plans will remain on course.
