Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has responded to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the Wakulima Market row.

In an earlier statement, Gachagua had urged Sakaja to have a sit-down with Wakulima Market traders before evicting them.

Gachagua said the Kenya Kwanza administration made a promise not to evict the traders before being elected in 2022.

“My younger brother Governor Johnson Sakaja, traders from Wakulima Market in 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 stated.

“We gave a commitment that our administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities. Our Constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that have a serious impact on the welfare of our citizens, are taken.”

In a rejoinder, Sakaja faulted the Deputy President for calling him out publicly over the issue, instead of making a private call.

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

Gachagua’s promise

According to Gachagua, evicting the traders without having a sit-down with them would amount to a broken promise, which he says they made in 2022.

“Kindly, do consider having a sitting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes your Government desires without adversely affecting their livelihoods. These traders gave your their trust and vote, and it is only fair you give them an ear,” he added.

Gachagua, who has previously been at loggerheads with Sakaja appeared to be cautious in his statement, asking to be forgiven if he appeared to be intrusive.

“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 stated.

Notice to evict Wakulima Market

The traders, who held protests on Thursday, September 12, 2024, were issued with a notice to evict from Wakulima Market on September 10, 2024.

The Nairobi County management ordered the traders to relocate to the newly constructed Kangundo Road market with immediate effect.

The management attributed the relocation to decongesting the Nairobi Central Business District for smooth vehicle traffic and human flow.

“Public notice messages, it has been decided that all onion, pineapple, oranges and potato traders operating outside and inside the market relocate to Kangundo Road market where there is spacious trading space and ample parking for business this notice takes effect immediately, “part of the relocation notice reads.

“This is to bring to your attention the Nairobi city county government’s decision to decongest the Nairobi central business district for smooth vehicle traffic and human flow. Kindly comply with the notice.”