Governor Sakaja Takes A Sly Dig At Kalonzo Over Wakulima Market Traders Relocation
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja fired back at his critics, defending the proposed relocation of Wakulima Market traders to Kangundo Road.
Sakaja has faced criticism in recent days over the relocation, with some traders protesting on Thursday, September 12.
While addressing President William Ruto and the congregation at Stewards Revival Pentecostal Church, the governor revealed that the traders needed to be relocated to a less congested market for their own safety.
Sakaja referred to the tragic Londiani junction tragedy in 2023, in which 55 people died, the majority of whom were roadside traders.
Governor Sakaja of Nairobi defended his plan to relocate Wakulima Market traders to Kangundo Road, stressing it’s a matter of safety.
— Eagle News Feed (@eagle_feed) September 15, 2024
Speaking at a church event with President Ruto, Sakaja referenced the tragic Londiani accident, where 52 women lost their lives. He said they… pic.twitter.com/TzVAHdEICX
“We’ve spoken to the leaders at the market and we came to an agreement. We can’t have a situation where in town, women are seated on the road while lorries are also passing by,” he said.
“Remember Your Excellency, in Londiani, 52 women were killed because of an accident on the road. But when I say we have to relocate our traders, some political leaders want to oppose it.”
In an open defiance of his critics, Sakaja vowed not to give up in his pursuit of a way to decongest the city center.
Sakaja appeared to be responding to two prominent politicians who had publicly opposed the relocation initiative.
On Thursday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua issued a lengthy statement, urging Sakaja to meet with the leadership at Wakulima Market.
Days later, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka escalated the situation by threatening to go to court to oppose the move, which he claims will have a negative impact on traders’ livelihoods.
Sakaja’s decision to relocate traders is part of a larger plan to decongest Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Traders are being encouraged to relocate to the Kangundo Road market, which can accommodate 5000 small businesses.
In an effort to encourage traders to relocate, the Nairobi governor announced a two-month waiver on the cess payment, which is typically collected from traders.
Governor Sakaja Takes A Sly Dig At Kalonzo Over Wakulima Market Traders Relocation
