Cherargei tears into Sakaja over traders’ sexual harassment claims
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has launched a blistering attack on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, over the mistreatment of hawkers in the Central Business District (CBD) by county enforcement officers popularly known as Kanjo
The senator expressed deep frustration over what he termed as Sakaja’s failure to address the rampant harassment and abuse of hawkers within the city by county enforcement officers.
During a heated Senate session on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Cherargei criticised the violent conduct of the officers, highlighting recent reports that have surfaced showing disturbing scenes of brutality against informal traders. Of particular concern to the senator were allegations of sexual harassment targeting female hawkers, as well as the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals, including persons with disabilities.
“The current governor, Sakaja, told us that lazima iwork, unfortunately, haiwork. I saw, and I was embarrassed. I expected the women of this country to demonstrate on the streets for sexual harassment by these askaris. How can you harass the disabled, the mama mboga? This is unacceptable. We cannot allow Sakaja to get away with this. He must be dealt with,” Cherargei declared.
His remarks were in response to Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, who raised the issue of growing abuse of hawkers in Nairobi. Nyamu called the incidents a matter of countrywide concern, and highlighted the violent evictions, extortion, and assaults committed by unidentified county officers.
“Recent events have brought to light a troubling incident by the officers against hawkers. This includes physical assault, extortion, and sexual harassment particularly targeting female hawkers,” Nyamu told the Senate.
She emphasised that such actions are illegal, unethical, and in violation of several legal provisions, including Articles 28 and 29 of the Constitution, the Sexual Offences Act, and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
Nyamu further noted that the officers involved operate with impunity and continue to threaten the safety and livelihoods of hawkers, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“Hawkers continue to face harassment, physical assault, and intimidation by unidentified officers. These actions have affected vulnerable populations, exacerbating their personal and economic insecurities,” she said.
Way forward
She called on the Senate to investigate the policy frameworks used by public officers when dealing with hawkers, to ensure they receive proper legal and human rights training. Nyamu also urged the Nairobi County Government to develop inclusive, safe, and accessible vending zones for all traders.
“The committee should address the following; the policy framework for public officers in their actions against hawkers, whether the officers are taken through sufficient training to ensure compliance with the law, the measures taken by the county government to come up with inclusive and accessible vending spaces for hawkers while ensuring protection especially for women,” Karen Nyamu stated
