DP Gachagua, Sakaja exchange words on social media regarding planned Wakulima Market relocation

Nairobi, 

Thursday, 12 September, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has pleaded with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to re-consider the relocation of Wakulima market in Nairobi County. 

The market is planned for relocation to Kangundo market, a move that will distabilize hundreds of traders. 

In a social media post adressing Sakaja on Thursday, 12 September, 2024. The DP has urged the governor to comply with the joint agreement the two reached in July, 2022 during a campaign in Muthurwa. 

This comes as Wakulima market traders staged protests on Thursday, calling for the government to withdraw the notice citing that the Kangundo market has already been occupied.

They also said that the eviction notice was given on short notice, and that leaving the Wakulima Market would render them jobless. 

"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. 

We gave a commitment that our Administration will never disrupt their lives or undermine their economic activities. "Gachagua said. 

The DP further noted that the relocation provides for public participation while reminding Sakaja that he campaigned for him in 2022. 

" Our Constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that have a serious impact on the welfare of our citizens are taken.

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. "Gachagua added. 

The DP Furthermore apologized revealing that the move was pushed by pressing grievances from traders who he reffered to as 'guarantors'

" 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." He said. 

Minutes later, the Nairobi governor took to his social media reminding Gachagua that he has his personal contact and should then reach him directly over the matter. 

" My Elder brother H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, You have my number."Sakaja said in response to the DP. 

Following the protests on Thursday, the Nairobi County government defended the plans to relocate the traders, emphasising on the need to address congestion, health hazards and waste management issues that affect the city.

"The current state of Wakulima Market, with traders exceeding the intended capacity of 1200, by three times, has created significant congestion," Acting Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali said.

"This overflow not only affects the traders themselves, who struggle to operate, but also inconveniences pedestrians who find it difficult to navigate the market," he added.

Gachagua and Sakaja have previously found themselves in public spats over the management of the Nairobi City, with Gachagua accusing Sakaja of harassing Nairobi traders. 

The two have however ruled out rumors of bad blood between them.