DP Gachagua defends Nairobi traders, urges Sakaja to address concerns

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday conducted an extensive tour of Nairobi’s downtown, engaging with small-scale traders and the public to discuss issues affecting their businesses and working environment.

Accompanied by several politicians and leaders of traders’ groups, Gachagua visited key markets including Marikiti, Muthurwa, Gikomba, and Nyamakima, as well as the OTC and Tea Room matatu termini.

During the visit, he held discussions with thousands of Small and Micro Enterprise (SME) traders, particularly those dealing in fresh farm produce and hawkers, addressing the government’s policies and programs that impact their operations.

In his speeches, the Deputy President urged the Nairobi County Government to create a more favorable business environment for small-scale traders.

“I’ve heard that traders are struggling and protesting against some of the policies from the City County Government. During the 2022 campaigns, President William Ruto and I promised that you (traders) wouldn’t suffer. We pledged to create a conducive environment for business, and we urge the Governor to fulfil that promise,” he said.

Gachagua reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of SME traders.

His engagement with the traders came in response to protests over plans to relocate markets such as Marikiti and Wakulima from the city’s central business district (CBD).

“I asked Governor Johnson Sakaja to engage with the traders to find solutions to their concerns. He should involve the people before making decisions that affect them. I will continue standing up for the rights of SME traders and economic progress,” Gachagua stated.

He emphasized that the targeted markets have been operational for decades and serve as a critical source of livelihood for many Nairobi residents. He called on the Governor to prioritize public participation before implementing decisions that may negatively impact lives and livelihoods.

“I urge the Governor to consult stakeholders before taking any actions that affect them. I also told the Governor to remember the people who put him in office and not turn against them. Public participation is key,” he reiterated.

On national politics, the Deputy President criticized his detractors, accusing certain political leaders of fighting him instead of working to create wealth and prosperity for the nation.

“I appeal to all leaders to remember that we were elected by the people, and taxpayers are our bosses. We cannot turn against them,” he said.

Leaders present during the tour, including Starehe MP Amos Mwago, praised Gachagua for defending small-scale traders.

“We admire the Deputy President’s courage in standing up for the vulnerable and SME traders against oppression. Even under the previous administration, he was at the forefront of advocating for their rights,” said Mwago.

He added, “We will not allow him (Gachagua) to be humiliated by certain leaders who are envious of his work.”

Other MPs present included James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Benjamin Mejjadonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central), Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, and several Nairobi MCAs led by Nairobi Central Business Ward Representative John Mwaniki Kwenya.

On his way back to the office, Gachagua’s motorcade was blocked by hundreds of wananchi and traders at the Tea Room bus stage, where he reiterated his call to treat the business community with dignity.

The post DP Gachagua defends Nairobi traders, urges Sakaja to address concerns first appeared on KBC.

The post DP Gachagua defends Nairobi traders, urges Sakaja to address concerns appeared first on KBC.