Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appears to be emerging as the go-to leader for city traders, seemingly at the expense of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose waning influence now appears overshadowed by Sakaja’s recent ascending prominence.
Since the Kenya Kwanza government took office, the traders have often relied on DP Gachagua to advocate for their interests, as evidenced by his constant public remarks and complaints.
Initially, there were mixed reactions to the relocation plan, which involves moving traders from the crowded Muthurwa and Marikiti markets to the spacious Kangundo Market.
However, Governor Sakaja’s management of the transition appears to have exhibited a level of proactive engagement and responsive governance that has genuinely surprised the traders themselves.
During a meeting with the traders on Friday, Sakaja addressed their concerns with a comprehensive approach.
He announced a two-month cess waiver to alleviate the financial burden of the relocation and provide immediate relief during the transition.
The traders responded to this decision with considerable approval.
At the end of the meeting, which included key stakeholders such as Nairobi Police Boss Adamson Bungei and Acting Nairobi County Secretary Godfrey Akumali, the traders—dealing in goods like onions, potatoes, oranges, and pineapples—agreed to the move to Kangundo Market.
A faction of traders who were present expressed a growing ambivalence about their previous reliance on Deputy President Gachagua.
While they acknowledge the DP’s role and public advocacy, some are beginning to question whether his style of leadership is the most effective for their immediate needs.
Several traders feel that DP Gachagua’s traditional and politically charged approach with his statements about rewarding loyal supporters has not translated into the tangible or immediate benefits that investors are seeking.
They are questioning if his political style, which relies heavily on public appeals, aligns with their expectations.
“We’ve heard a lot about how those who supported the government should benefit; all we need is concrete actions that address our issues directly,” one trader remarked under the request of anonymity.
Adding to the shifting dynamics, 46 MPs from the Mount Kenya region recently endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, further complicating Gachagua’s position.
The MPs’ support for Kindiki shows a broader movement towards leaders who are seen as more directly connected to the management of the country’s affairs and capable of delivering practical results.
Some analysts interpret this endorsement as reflecting a potential realignment of political loyalties within the region, signaling that even traditional Gachagua allies are now looking to alternative figures who offer more tangible benefits.
