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NAIROBI. – Kenyans have been expressing outrage after authorities destroyed goods being sold by street traders in the capital, Nairobi, prompting an apology from the governor.
Images of sausages and eggs strewn on the streets have been widely shared online. Some of the food vendors are seen standing by, counting their losses as their trolleys are impounded and loaded onto a lorry.
Kenyans have rallied in support of the traders – including initiating campaigns to raise money for one hawker whose trolley was vandalised.
Many are blaming the county authorities for being “cruel” and “unfriendly” against hustlers – as ordinary Kenyans struggling to survive in a harsh economy are known.
President William Ruto campaigned and won the last year’s election after promising to champion the interests of the hustlers.
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has apologised, saying the Wednesday morning events were “most unfortunate” – promising disciplinary action against officers involved.
He said each trader would be compensated with 10 000 Kenyan shillings (US$65) and ordered the release of all goods that had been confiscated.
“Even if the traders were operating without the required documentation… that every food handler must have for the safety of Nairobians, they did not deserve such treatment and we are dealing with this internally,” he said on X. – BBC.com
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