Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has taken swift action in response to the controversial crackdown on street food vendors in the Central Business District (CBD) on Wednesday, announcing the immediate release of all confiscated items and personal compensation for the affected vendors.

Expressing deep regret for the events that unfolded in the CBD, Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with informal traders. He stated, “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.”

In a further effort to make amends, Sakaja disclosed that he had personally compensated each affected vendor with 10,000 Kenyan shillings. The crackdown, which specifically targeted popular ‘smokie-mayai’ stalls, had incited public outrage.

While acknowledging that some vendors may have operated 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, criticized the county boss for the directive, stating that Sakaja’s 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.

Governor Sakaja’s actions mark a significant development in this unfolding story, as he seeks to rectify the situation and restore a harmonious relationship with Nairobi’s informal traders.

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