Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has strongly condemned the recent incident where city askaris mistreated street vendors and confiscated their tools of trade, calling it “most unfortunate.”
Sakaja emphasized that such treatment of Nairobians is unacceptable, emphasizing the need for dignity in dealing with citizens.
“This is not the way to treat Nairobians as we have continually implored our officers to treat Nairobians with Dignity,” he said via his X handle.
In a statement, Sakaja assured that disciplinary action would be taken against those responsible for the incident.
He personally ordered the immediate release of all confiscated items, apologized to the affected traders, and compensated each of them with 10,000 shillings.
“I have ordered the immediate release of all confiscated items, apologised to the traders and personally compensated each of them to the tune of 10,000 shillings each,” he said.
He expressed regret that even if vendors lacked certain required documents, such as a Medical Certificate from Public Health, they did not deserve such mistreatment.
The incident prompted criticism from David Ndii, chair of the Presidential Council of Economic Advisors, who accused Sakaja of deviating from his pre-campaign promises.
Ndii pointed out that Sakaja’s earlier commitment involved constructing markets for city traders, not displacing street vendors.
Sakaja, currently in France representing President William Ruto, was unable to attend the recent school feeding coalition meeting due to prior commitments.
Despite his absence, he remains an advocate for initiatives like the ‘Dishi na County’ school feeding program, which he launched in August 2023.
