Sakaja Warns Deputy President "Keep the people of Nairobi out of it"

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has broken his silence following recent remarks made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua concerning the city’s market relocation plans. In a pointed statement on X (formerly Twitter), Governor Sakaja addressed the Deputy President’s comments, accusing him of tribal incitement and misinformation while defending his administration’s actions to protect the city's traders.
“I have for long avoided responding to the Deputy President's tribal diatribe, but today's activities leave me no choice,” Sakaja stated. The Governor was reacting to remarks Gachagua made earlier in the day, where he questioned Sakaja’s approach to relocating traders, particularly those at Marikiti Market.
Governor Sakaja emphasized that his role as an elected leader is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nairobi residents, explaining that his measures were not about political points but about saving lives. He referenced a tragic accident in June 2023 in Londiani, Kericho County, where 52 traders, selling goods on a road reserve, were killed when a truck lost control and crashed into them. “These people cannot come back to life. I have a duty and mandate that will not let me fall for populist political gimmicks at the expense of the lives and safety of Nairobians,” he said, making it clear that the safety of traders and city residents was his priority.