In Summary
  • Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked traders in the Capital city not be worried by Governor Johnson Sakaja's push to relocate them.
  • The DP said that Nairobi CBD traders and matatu operators should stay put knowing that they have a government that will protect them. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked traders in the Capital city not be worried by Governor Johnson Sakaja's push to relocate them. 

The DP said that Nairobi CBD traders and matatu operators should stay put knowing that they have a government that will protect them.

Speaking during an interview with Inooro Television on Sunday night, Gachagua said removing Matatus from the CBD  would lock out a lot of people and businesses.

He claimed that the people making noise on the congestion of Nairobi City operate from the "posh outskirts of Runda and Karen."

“I want to tell people this, keep on with your business. The government under the stewardship of President William Ruto has you covered and protected. Our government will not allow you to be anyone, regardless of who they call themselves to ruin your businesses,” he said.

“Those who come to town are not complaining of congestion because that is where they source their daily bread... furthermore, when those planning to evict Matatus from the CBD will bring trains. We shall accept that they remove Matatus but for now there are no trains or buses.”

Gachagua is rocked in a tiff with Sakaja after the former appeared to resist the county boss' plan to move matatus and traders from the Central Business District as a move to decongest the city.

The governor is planning to move all matatus from the CBD and also relocate traders to outside of the city centre as part of his major city reorganisation plan.  

The DP noted that the Matatu industry supports hundreds of other small and medium enterprises that it will be difficult for those people to cover long distances with their luggage.

“I do not have any problems with anyone… but anyone who feels that there should be a change or shift in status quo, they should first consider how it shall change the lives of Kenyans and have a dialogue about it before making any decisions,” he said.

On the closure of night clubs within residential areas in Nairobi, the DP noted that it would be inconsiderate to allow noise pollution.

However, Gachagua said, owners of such premises should be allowed time to fit their business with soundproof walls to minimise noise and allow co-existence.

“You are the same people who have issued these businessmen and women with licenses to operate clubs within the residential areas. You cannot wake up one day and decide to close their business, yet they have invested their money there, rather invite them for a dialogue with an ultimatum,” he said.

He further noted that business people need to be treated with decorum and with the dignity that they deserve. By James Mbaka, The Star