Confusion has hit traders at the Marikiti/Wakulima market in Starehe constituency, Nairobi, over a plan to relocate them.

For most of yesterday, hundreds of traders engaged police in running battles protesting a move by Governor Johnson Sakaja (pictured) to move them to the Kangundo road market.

They lit bonfires and blocked sections of Haile Selassie Avenue, Landhies Road and Jogoo Road as they battled county inspectorate officers who were trying to enforce Sakaja’s orders.

The drama began at 4am when county askaris arrived to evict traders selling fresh produce on the sides of roads and disrupting traffic.

The traders, who sell fruits and vegetables including pineapples, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes and onions, occupy large sections of Haile Selassie Avenue, causing massive traffic jams on the busy road.

Reacting to the stalemate, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua reminded Sakaja of the pledge he made on the campaign trail back in 2022 that his administration would never destroy the businesses to hardworking Kenyans.

“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 gave a commitment that our administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities.”

Gachagua urged Sakaja to embrace dialogue with traders before enforcing his decisions about the market.

“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,” Gachagua said.

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