Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has announced the immediate release of all items confiscated by security personnel who had targeted street food vendors on Wednesday.
The Governor expressed deep regret for the events that unfolded in the Central Business District (CBD) and promised to hold those responsible accountable.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with informal traders, stating, “We have had cordial relations with informal traders for a year, but lately there have been unfortunate incidences that seek to sabotage that. We will take disciplinary action.”
Sakaja further revealed that he had personally compensated each affected vendor with 10,000 Kenyan shillings. The crackdown on street food vendors, particularly popular ‘smokie-mayai’ stalls, had sparked public outrage.
While acknowledging that some vendors may have been operating without the necessary documentation, including a Medical Certificate from Public Health required for food handlers, Sakaja argued that they did not deserve the treatment they received during the eviction.
He assured the public that the matter would be addressed internally.
The incident in question involved Nairobi County Inspectorate officers conducting a crackdown on street food vendors, resulting in damage and disruption to their businesses.
The arrest of the street vendors received condemnation from all Kenyans including President William Ruto’s economic advisor David Ndii who termed it as “upper deck silliness.”
Ndii in his usual blunt nature faulted the county boss for the directive saying his leadership was not a reflection of the ‘Hustler Narrative’ championed by President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government under which Sakaja was elected.
“The Nairobi County leadership is not hustler-friendly. That’s why I keep prodding @SakajaJohnson on it. Sakaja runs on an “order” platform. His plan was to put hustlers in markets— which is #UpperDeck silliness. Street vendors are on streets because that’s where customers are,” Ndii stated.
