They Like Using Sympathy To Trick Kanjos- Sakaja Meets Hawker Whose Groundnuts Were Poured

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Wednesday, November 22 met Burundi national Ndagire Renova, the 14-year-old hawker who went viral after his groundnuts were spilt by County askaris, popularly known as kanjos along Luthuli Avenue. 

Sakaja hosted Renova in his office in response to persistent calls by Nairobi residents to the governor to get to the bottom of the matter, following a video showing him crying uncontrollably in front of members of the public following the incident.

However, the Governor divulged that Renova did not comply with the rules hawkers are expected to adhere to, following his fresh directives targeting their operations in the Central Business District (CBD).

Nairobi Governor Sakaja meets the hawker whose groundnuts were spilt by Nairobi 'Kanjos' on November 22, 2023. /JOHNSON SAKAJA

"After I met hawkers a few weeks ago, many have complied with the 4 pm rule as well as designated trading places. 

"However, some have not. Especially foreigners. It is such a scenario that caused the incident yesterday where his groundnuts got spilt as he struggled for the bucket with our officer. We will continue training our officers on how to handle such sensitive situations with care and dignity in a humane way," he stated.

Sakaja was however stunned to learn how the incident uncovered an ongoing child trafficking syndicate in the Kenyan capital, which prompted him to meet the Burundian Ambassador to Kenya Ntahonkuriye Emmernece asking her to rescue her fellow national.

"This is a boy who should be in school in his home country. We will protect him and ensure his safety and well-being. In the end, all things work together for the good," he went on.

A statement by Nairobi Acting County Secretary Patrick Analo shed light on a little-known trick hawkers were using on kanjo officers to escape arrest by drawing in crowds within the city while clarifying the events that culminated in the viral incident.

"When Ndagire was caught and the enforcement officer impounded his goods, the minor struggled for the bucket spilling its contents onto the ground after the handle broke; something he has been reported to having previously done at Afya Centre and outside City Market.

"A number of hawkers employ this tactic which naturally attracts sympathy and public outrage and prevents their further arrest," Analo stated.

Meanwhile nominated Senator Karen Nyamu demanded Sakaja to sack the city askari, expressing displeasure at the inhumane actions the officer took in accosting Renova.

"Huyu kanjo afutwe on the spot ili awe funzo kwa wale kanjo wana roho ya unyama (This askari should be fired on the spot to serve as an example to other askaris with cruel intentions)," she stated on her Instastories.

Screengrabs of a hawker in Nairobi crying after kanjos spilled his groundnuts. /SUSAN AUMA