Nairobi MCAs Unite Across Party Lines to Condemn City Inspectorate Over Street Vendor Atrocity

Nairobi MCAs from various political backgrounds have united in condemning the leadership of the City Inspectorate, colloquially known as ‘Kanjos,’ for the recent incident that unfolded on Wednesday, October 18, which saw street vendors of smokies and boiled eggs in the city center face distress.

Led by Absalom Odhiambo Matach, MCA of Korogocho ward, these city representatives are placing blame on the City Inspectorate, accusing them of incompetence in carrying out their responsibilities and demanding their immediate resignation.

“We cannot tolerate such incompetence within our county. What transpired yesterday does not align with the vision our Governor has for the city,” MCA Matach emphasized.

Furthermore, Matach urged the Kanjos to exhibit more compassion in their interactions with Nairobi residents.

“This is not how Nairobians should be treated. We have consistently urged our officers to treat Nairobians with respect and dignity,” MCA Matach added.

The MCAs staunchly defended the Governor against the actions of his officers, emphasizing that Sakaja would not permit such harassment of small-scale business traders.

“Our Governor holds deep respect for small-scale business traders, and he would never condone such mistreatment. The actions of the Kanjos have been taken without proper consultation,” he reiterated.

Governor Sakaja, who is currently attending a global school feeding summit in France, described the incident as “most unfortunate” and extended his apologies by offering traders financial compensation of Ksh 10,000 each.

The street vendors were forcefully removed from the streets, and their trolleys were seized by City Inspectorate officers on the grounds of allegedly lacking the necessary Medical certificates from Public Health that are mandated for all food handlers.

“I have issued an immediate directive for the release of all confiscated items, personally apologized to the traders, and provided each of them with compensation in the amount of 10,000 shillings,” Sakaja stated.”