Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja succumbed to public pressure. On Wednesday, he met with Ndagire Renova, the 14-year-old Burundian hawker. Earlier, the boy’s groundnuts spilled during an altercation with City Council officers. The incident deeply angered Kenyans who asked Governor Sakaja to intervene. The teenager is in the country illegally. Renova commutes from Dagoretti to town to sell groundnuts as a means of livelihood.
“The officer wanted to arrest me and take me to the police station. I asked her to wait so I could sell groundnuts worth Sh50 to a customer. The groundnuts spilled in the ensuing commotion.”
Ndagire Renova said.
Misfortune Befalls Young Hawker
An undated viral video shows Ndagire Renova crying silently. He gestures in protest at his spilt groundnuts. The young hawker bemoans the mistreatment of City Council officers. Onlookers, also visible in the video, witnessed the incident.
Unsurprisingly, the misfortune of Ndagire Renova angered Kenyans and drew public outrage. Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu voiced her displeasure via Instagram.
“The City Council officer should be fired on the spot! So it can serve as a lesson to other inhumane officers.”
She stated.
Another social media user observed a deficiency in humanity among city council officers.
“This is too inhumane. Is this what officials are trained or told to do when they go to the streets… Humanity is lacking from most of them (city council officers) for sure”
The social media user wrote.
Nairobi County Official Statement
Nairobi County Head of Public Service Patrick Analo issued a public statement. He noted that the county officials acted on orders to regulate hawking in the city.
“Earlier in the month, the Governor had brought together the (county)leadership. An agreement was reached on the streets where hawkers are allowed to operate from 4pm in the CBD,”
Mr. Analo stated.
Additionally, the County Secretary blamed Ndagire Renova. Analo said that the boy’s struggles largely contributed to his wares spilling.
“Unfortunately, when Ndagire was caught and the enforcement officer impounded his goods, the minor struggled for the bucket spilling its contents on to the ground.”
He said.
Mr. Analo suggested that the teenager has a history of similar activities. According to him, hawkers use this tactic to gain sympathy and public outrage, avoiding further arrests.
“He previously did the same at Afya Centre and outside City Market. Hawkers employ this tactic which naturally attracts sympathy and public outrage and prevents their further arrest.”
Analo stated.
Governor Sakaja Compassionately Intervenes
Governor Sakaja characterized the incident involving the Burundian minor as unfortunate. Subsequently, he engaged the Burundian Ambassador to Kenya to discuss measures for the wellbeing of the child.
“After investigating the unfortunate incident involving Burundian minor Ndagire Renova whose items were spilt yesterday, I met him.
He stated on X.
And, the County Boss affirmed a commitment to safeguard the child’s future.
“I later engaged Burundian Ambassador to Kenya to discuss safeguarding the minor,”
Governor Sakaja said
By BNN