Gachagua Appeals to Sakaja as Wakulima Market Traders Protest Relocation Plans

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a public appeal to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, urging him to reconsider the planned relocation of traders from Wakulima Market to Kangundo Market. The relocation plans have sparked protests from traders who argue that the new market is already occupied, and the eviction notice was issued on short notice. The traders fear that leaving Wakulima Market would result in job losses and disrupt their livelihoods.

On Thursday, Wakulima Market traders staged demonstrations, calling on the government to retract the relocation notice. The traders expressed their concerns that moving to Kangundo Market would not only disrupt their businesses but also affect their ability to sustain their families. In response, Deputy President Gachagua took to social media to appeal directly to Governor Sakaja, reminding him of the promises made by the Kenya Kwanza administration during the 2022 campaigns.

Gachagua’s appeal highlighted a softer, more conciliatory side of the Deputy President, contrasting with his usual tough-talking persona. He reminded Sakaja of the commitments made in Muthurwa in July 2022, where they had assured traders that their economic activities would not be disrupted. Gachagua emphasized the importance of keeping the promise made to the traders, who had trusted them with their votes.

“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 noted in his post. He further urged Sakaja to meet with the leadership of the market to find a mutually agreeable solution that would not negatively impact the traders’ livelihoods.

Gachagua acknowledged the trust placed in them by the traders and called on Sakaja to give them a fair hearing. He also apologized for appearing intrusive but explained that the traders had reached out to him as their guarantor in matters of trust. “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,” Gachagua added.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of a previously strained relationship between Gachagua and Sakaja. In early 2023, the two leaders were involved in a public disagreement over the administration of Nairobi City, although they later claimed to have resolved their differences. Gachagua’s recent comments suggest a desire for collaboration and dialogue, particularly in matters affecting Nairobi’s traders.

In response to the protests, the Nairobi County government defended its decision to relocate the traders, citing congestion, health hazards, and waste management challenges at Wakulima Market. Acting Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali explained that the market, originally designed to accommodate 1,200 traders, currently hosts three times that number, leading to significant overcrowding. “This overflow not only affects the traders themselves, who struggle to operate, but also inconveniences pedestrians who find it difficult to navigate the market,” Akumali said.

The county government’s stance underscores the broader challenges of managing urban markets in rapidly growing cities like Nairobi. The relocation plan, according to county officials, aims to address these issues by redistributing traders to less congested areas, thereby improving market conditions and reducing health risks.

However, Gachagua’s intervention highlights the complexities of implementing such changes, particularly when they involve stakeholders whose livelihoods are at stake. As the situation unfolds, the Deputy President’s call for dialogue and consideration of the traders’ concerns suggests a possible path forward—one that balances the need for urban management with the imperative to protect the livelihoods of those who rely on Wakulima Market for their daily bread.

Governor Sakaja’s response to Gachagua’s appeal will be closely watched, as it could set the tone for how similar issues are handled in the future. As Nairobi continues to grapple with urban challenges, the need for collaborative leadership and open communication between government officials and citizens remains paramount.