Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President, has asked county governments to stop harassing hawkers who are struggling to make a living in various parts of the country.
Gachagua’s remarks follow Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s recent ultimatum, which cracks down on city hawkers and outlaws their roadside operations, particularly in the CBD.
“I encourage leaders in our counties, even here in Nairobi, that these hustlers are very important people and they should be given a chance to source their living and that of their children,” he said during the first anniversary of Hustler Fund.
“When these hustlers are in their streets, they are not causing any trouble. They just sell their wares and go home.”
Gachagua expressed concern about the increasing strain on those trying to make ends meet. He urged leaders to treat hustlers with the same dignity, reminding officials of the hustler community’s critical role in their rise to power.
“I am calling on all elected leaders to love the hustlers as we did when we sought their votes. The sight of these hustlers should not irritate anybody. We should love them the way we loved them when they queued at the ballot,” Gachagua continued.
He urged county governments not to give in to external pressures from wealthy individuals seeking to drive out the hustler community.
“Those people have their wealth, did not want us to be in power, but the hustlers stood with us. So, we are asking all leaders of the county to join hands with the national government to respect, love, and help the hustler nation, which is responsible for us being in the positions we occupy today,” he asserted.
The Deputy President expressed pride in the community’s progress one year after the Kenya Kwanza regime established the Hustler fund.
“I am proud of the Hustler and how they have been doing so far. When you started this fund, there was a lot of talk about it, with some even saying that people will default on paying. But the hustlers have been true to their promise, borrowing and paying. They have been faithful and disciplined, and we encourage them, “ Gachagua said.
He urged unity in support of the hustler nation, claiming that they (the hustlers) hold the key to Kenya’s economic freedom.
“We encourage them. We support them. They are the solution to Kenya’s economic challenges because they are hardworking, and if we hold their hand, they will come to solve the problems of our nation,” said the Deputy President.
