‘Do not interfere with Nairobi’s leadership’ – Robert Alai slams Gachagua over Wakulima Market row

Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has taken a swipe at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his recent comments on the eviction of Wakulima Market traders.

Gachagua had urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to meet with the traders before moving forward with their eviction, highlighting that the Kenya Kwanza administration had promised during the 2022 elections not to displace them.

In response, Alai took to his X account on Thursday, September 12, 2024, to ask Gachagua to refrain from meddling in the governance of Nairobi County.

Alai highlighted that while Gachagua has often referred to himself as a “villager” with pride, Nairobi is far from a village and it stands as the largest city in East and Central Africa.

“My dear Deputy President, in your wisdom, you’ve always proudly called yourself a ‘villager,’ but Nairobi is not a village—it’s East and Central Africa’s largest city. It must evolve, not just for survival but to meet global standards of modernity and dignity,” Alai stated.

He stressed that the city must advance and adapt to global standards of modernity and dignity to thrive. Alai underscored the importance of allowing the city’s leadership to guide its modernization efforts without interference.

He argued that external involvement weakens Nairobi’s governance structure and hinders its growth. The MCA said instead of fostering disorder and poverty for political gain, the focus should be on building a prosperous and forward-looking urban centre, with elected leaders taking charge of its future development.

“It must evolve, not just for survival but to meet global standards of modernity and dignity. Your office is key in fostering national unity and reconciliation. Interfering with Nairobi’s leadership undermines its own governance structure. We must develop a prosperous city, not preserve chaotic poverty for political points. Let Nairobi modernize without intrusion, respecting the elected leaders responsible for its growth,” Alai added.

Sakaja to Gachagua

Responding to Gachagua’s remarks, Sakaja called out the Deputy President regarding the dispute over Wakulima Market, criticizing him for addressing the matter publicly instead of handling it privately.

“My Elder brother H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, you have my number.”

Traders’ protests

The traders protested on Thursday, September 12, 2024, following a notice issued two days earlier, ordering them to vacate Wakulima Market.

The Nairobi County administration directed them to move to the newly constructed Kangundo Road market, citing the need to reduce congestion in the city centre. The relocation was framed as a way to ease traffic flow and improve pedestrian movement, with the new market offering more space and better parking facilities.