Hands Off Nairobi’s Leadership: Robert Alai Blasts Gachagua Over Wakulima Market Dispute

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has delivered a stinging rebuke to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of meddling in Nairobi’s leadership.

The Wakulima Market controversy has sparked fierce debate, with Alai warning Gachagua to stop interfering in city affairs.

“Nairobi doesn’t need your interference,” Alai fired, clarifying that Nairobi’s governance should remain in the hands of its elected leaders, not outsiders looking to exert control.

Gachagua’s involvement has raised eyebrows, with critics like Alai calling for respect for the capital’s autonomy. The row over market control is now a political flashpoint.

Why Robert Alai Wants DP Rigathi Gachagua To Keep Off Wakulima Market Evictions

Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his recent comments on the eviction of Wakulima Market traders.

Gachagua urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to meet with the traders before proceeding with the eviction. He reminded Sakaja that the Kenya Kwanza administration had promised during the 2022 elections not to displace these traders.

Alai responded to Gachagua’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter) on September 12, 2024. He called on Gachagua to stop interfering in the governance of Nairobi County.

He noted that while Gachagua often refers to himself as a “villager,” Nairobi is not a village but the largest city in East and Central Africa.

Alai emphasized that Nairobi must modernize to meet global standards. He stated, “Nairobi is East and Central Africa’s largest city. It must evolve, not just to survive but to meet global standards of modernity and dignity.”

Alai Calls for Non-Interference in Nairobi’s Development

Alai stressed that Nairobi’s leadership should be allowed to drive the city’s modernization efforts without interference. According to him, external involvement weakens the city’s governance structure and hampers its growth.

Instead of focusing on preserving poverty and disorder for political gain, Alai called for the development of a prosperous and forward-looking urban center.

He added that the Deputy President’s role should focus on fostering national unity, not undermining Nairobi’s leadership.

Ongoing Tensions Between Gachagua and Sakaja

The feud between Gachagua and Sakaja has been ongoing since the start of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Reports suggest that Gachagua prefers a governor from his Kikuyu tribe to lead Nairobi. However, Sakaja has garnered support from the top leadership of the ODM Party and Nairobi County ODM MCAs to protect himself from political interference.

Sakaja’s Response to Gachagua

Governor Johnson Sakaja also responded to Deputy President Gachagua’s comments about the Wakulima Market evictions. Sakaja criticized Gachagua for addressing the issue publicly rather than handling it privately.

“My elder brother H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, you have my number,” Sakaja said, expressing his frustration with the public nature of the remarks.

Gachagua had earlier urged Sakaja to have a meeting with the traders before evicting them. He reminded Sakaja of the 2022 promise they made together to the traders, assuring them that their livelihoods would not be disrupted.

Gachagua further cautioned that breaking this promise would damage their trust. “Please, consider having a meeting with the market’s leadership to agree on any changes without harming their livelihoods,” Gachagua added.

Wakulima Market Eviction Notice and Protests

On September 10, 2024, Wakulima Market traders received an eviction notice from Nairobi County, ordering them to relocate to the newly constructed Kangundo Road market.

The county administration explained that the relocation aims to reduce congestion in Nairobi’s central business district, improve traffic flow, and ease pedestrian movement.

Following the notice, traders staged protests on September 12, 2024. The new market offers more space and better parking facilities, according to the county’s statement.