Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka
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The controversy surrounding the proposed relocation of traders from Nairobi's Wakulima Market intensified on Saturday when opposition politicians intervened, urging the traders to resist moving to the new Kangundo Road Market as suggested by City Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accompanied by other political figures, pledged solidarity with the traders and vowed to challenge the county government's plans in court. Musyoka announced his intention to file a legal case on Monday, arguing that the relocation would disrupt the traders' livelihoods. Former Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu echoed this sentiment, encouraging the traders to stand their ground and reject the relocation plans. The traders themselves have expressed strong opposition to the move, citing concerns about potential conflicts with existing vendors at the Kangundo Road Market and the loss of their established customer base in the Central Business District (CBD).
The standoff began on Thursday, September 12, when traders took to the streets, blocking sections of Haile Sellasie Avenue in protest. The situation escalated and resulted in damage to City Council offices near St Peters Catholic Church. In response to the unrest, police were deployed to restore order. Governor Sakaja defends the relocation initiative, citing the need to decongest the CBD, improve traffic flow, and address public health concerns at Wakulima Market. The Nairobi County Government issued a public notice on September 10, 2024, announcing plans to relocate all traders operating in and around the market as part of a broader strategy to enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists.
Despite the county government's claims of reaching an agreement with the traders after a consultative meeting, many traders insist that no such agreement had been made. They accuse Governor Sakaja of dishonesty and express their determination to remain at their current location. A High Court judge recently issued a restraining order prohibiting the Nairobi City County from evicting the Wakulima Market traders. The court mandated a meeting between the traders and the county government on September 17, with a follow-up report due on September 30.
Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, have accused the county government of harbouring ulterior motives, suggesting that the relocation plan may be a scheme to acquire the land currently occupied by Wakulima Market. They have committed to supporting the traders in their resistance against the proposed move.