DP Gachagua asks counties to stop harassing hawkers

The Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua has called upon County governments to cease the harassment of hawkers who are struggling to make a living in various parts of the country.

Gachagua's remarks come in the wake of a recent ultimatum issued by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, cracking down on city hawkers and outlawing their roadside operations, especially within the Central business District (CBD).

"I encourage leaders in our counties, even here in Nairobi, that these hustlers are very important people and they should be given a chance to source their living and that of their children," he said during the first anniversary of Hustler Fund. 

"When these hustlers are in their streets, they are not causing any trouble. They just sell their wares and go home."

Gachagua expressed concern over the increasing pressure faced by those trying to make ends meet. He implored the leaders to treat the hustlers with the same dignity, reminding officials of the critical role played by the hustler community in their rise to power.

"I am calling on all elected leaders to love the hustlers as we did when we sought their votes. The sight of these hustlers should not irritate anybody. We should love them the way we loved them when they queued at the ballot," Gachagua continued.

He urged County governments not to succumb to external pressures from individuals of means who seek to push away the hustler community.

"Those people have their wealth, did not want us to be in power, but the hustlers stood with us. So, we are asking all leaders of the county to join hands with the national government to respect, love, and help the hustler nation, which is responsible for us being in the positions we occupy today," he asserted.

The Deputy President expressed pride in the community's progress one year after the Hustler fund was instituted by the Kenya Kwanza regime.

"I am proud of the Hustler and how they have been doing so far. When you started this fund, there was a lot of talk about it, with some even saying that people will default on paying. But the hustlers have been true to their promise, borrowing and paying. They have been faithful and disciplined, and we encourage them, “ Gachagua said.

He called for unity in supporting the hustler nation saying that they (hustlers ) hold the key to Kenya's economic freedom.

“We encourage them. We support them. They are the solution to Kenya's economic challenges because they are hardworking, and if we hold their hand, they will come to solve the problems of our nation,” said the Deputy President.