Gachagua Clarifies Stance On City Traders’ Standoff With Sakaja
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended himself against allegations of interfering with Nairobi County’s operations by inciting traders to oppose the county government’s lawful directives.
The DP stated that his meeting with traders on September 29 was in response to their outcry that their complaints were not being addressed by City Hall.
“I wish to clarify and point out that when I held a public rally, I merely requested the governor of Nairobi county to speak and listen to the grievances which were being raised by the market traders. Videos will be produced tomorrow in the National Assembly,” the DP said.
The Deputy President spoke Monday night at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, to address the impeachment allegations made against him by Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse.
He confirmed that he will attend the session at 5 p.m. and speak for two hours straight to clear his name.
The DP stated that the traders had simply asked him to intervene, and all he did was request that the governor listen to them on their behalf regarding market relocation.
DP Gachagua: I need evidence tabled that I undermine devolution. I have never incited the public on devolution. I asked Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to listen to traders before moving them. The traders approached me to intervene on the matter. pic.twitter.com/C52M4LDMqi
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) October 7, 2024
Governor Johnson Sakaja had asked traders to relocate from Wakulima market to a newly constructed market on Kangundo Road due to safety concerns and the need to decongest the city.
However, the traders opposed the development, citing a loss of customers as one of their reasons.
“Had the governor listened to these traders they would have had no business coming looking for me. All I was saying was listen to the people, before you relocate them, have public participation.”
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Gachagua stated that the majority of the market’s traders had been there for nearly 40 years and were looking for a way to move forward. He said the market was their home.
“What happens to our customers, what happens to the distances that we cover, what about the extra cost of going to the new location,” were some of the questions Gachagua said the traders wanted answered by the Sakaja administration.
“And I think the traders were right,” Gachagua said. “Requesting a meeting with their elected leader is their right.”
The DP said he heeded the traders’ desperate calls and went to listen to their pleas.
Gachagua Clarifies Stance On City Traders’ Standoff With Sakaja
