Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has banned hawkers and street families from Nairobi’s footbridges.
Speaking at AIPCA church in Dandora, Nairobi county on Sunday, November 13, 2022, the outspoken governor stated that the move will help curb the spate of street crime.
The county boss assured the affected traders that the county government will allocate them appropriate places to work from.
“To make sure that there is security there were street families that were staying there and we have cleared them, we have cleaned the bridge, the fire department has come with its pipes and nobody will be allowed to conduct business to live on our bridges and fly-overs,” he said.
“If you want a space for trade we will find you a space for trade but not in a public utility like that.”
Additionally, Sakaja threatened armed robbers terrorising residents in Nairobi and vowed to deal with them after he lost a close friend to the thugs.
The county boss disclosed that his administration was seeking plans to deal with the menace.
While recounting the loss of his friend to the thugs, the county boss pleaded with the youth terrorising residents to stop the heinous act and vowed to offer them job opportunities.
“Vitu mbili zitafanya uwe adui yangu, kuchafua Nairobi na kuingia kwa ‘crime’. Vijana wa Nairobi mnaniangusha, wachaneni na hii maneno, mtaumia…we are serious,” he stated.
“Nitawapea nafasi za kazi na biashara, wacheni kuibia watu. Nimepoteza rafiki wangu 2 weeks ago kwa kudungwa kisu…Nitakutana na IG Koome kesho, ili tuwe na suluhisho ya hii crime,”he added.
At the same time, the governor also urged parents to counsel youths against engaging in criminal activities.
The latest comes amidst the spate of crimes witnessed in the city. A section of Kenyans have taken to different social networks to call on relevant authorities over the resurgence of criminal gangs terrorizing residents.
Notable leaders such as former Kiambu governor William Kabogo also raised concern over the matter and subsequently asked President William Ruto to intervene.
“We must now unite more than ever against crime. We cannot be spectators of criminal gangs terrorizing Kenyans as we watch. We must take up our space and say enough is enough. If we don’t stop this now there’s gonna be a big problem for our country,” he stated.
“This is the beginning of a very serious problem, if not dealt with ruthlessly, we’re in for big trouble as a nation. Rule of law is all we need period,” he added.
