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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday, January 6, 2025, held an early meeting with traders from the various markets in Nairobi city.

In a statement on January 6, 2025, Kindiki observed that his morning meeting was to supplement interventions offered by the County government to support the small-scale traders in the markets.

The meeting brought together small-scale traders plying their trades in the markets of the Central Business District (CBD); Wakulima, Gikomba, Muthurwa and Kariokor markets, Country Bus, Nyamakima, River Road, Railways, Pumwani Road, Bus Station and OTC.

“Held an early morning engagement with representatives of small-scale business people operating within markets in Nairobi County,” Kindiki noted.

“Agreed on the interventions of the National Government to supplement what the Nairobi City County Government is doing to support the traders in the Central Business District (CBD); Wakulima, Gikomba, Muthurwa and Kariokor markets, Country Bus, Nyamakima, River Road, Railways, Pumwani Road, Bus Station and OTC.”

The meeting comes just two days after Kindiki made his first public appearance of 2025 in a pair of sunglasses during the wedding ceremony of the son of Wildlife and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.

The last public meeting of 2024 by Kindiki was on December 20, 2024, in Tana River County during the thanksgiving ceremony of area senator Danson Mungatana at the Arap Moi Primary School.

Previous meetings with traders

During his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kindiki attended a similar meeting with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua at the Harambee Annex office on March 2, 2023.

“This is a government that listens to the people. It’s a guiding principle President William Ruto has entrenched in his administration and we are keen to ensure all our doors are open to anyone who wants to raise their grievances with us,” Gachagua said.

“The government you elected cannot abandon you. It will always listen to you and ensure your businesses thrive.”

However, at a later meeting with traders at the Wakulima Market in Nairobi on September 12, 2024, Gachagua challenged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to reconsider the decision to relocate the traders to Kangundo Market, stating that their businesses would be disrupted.

“These traders gave you their trust and vote, and it is only fair you give them an ear,” Gachagua implored.

“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.”

Some of the comments made during such meetings would form the grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment motion in October 2024.