‘Please, my brother…’ Gachagua makes public appeal to Sakaja after Wakulima market protests

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to listen to the plea from traders operating at Wakulima Market over the planned relocation to Kangundo Market.

The 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. 

Taking to his social media account later in the day, Gachagua reminded Sakaja of the promise given by the Kenya Kwanza team to uplift Kenyans' lives.

In particular, he cited the campaigns in Muthurwa in July 2022 when they promised never to disrupt the traders' economic activities.

"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. 

"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." 

The DP acknowledged that the traders deserved to a chance to be heard as they gave the Governor their trust by voting for him.

"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 noted.

Gachagua's plea showed a different side from his normal tough talking nature that earned him the moniker 'truthful man.'

In early 2023, Gachagua and Sakaja were engaged in a public spat over the affairs of the city. The duo, however, later alleged that there was no bad blood between them.

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.