Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked matatu operators and other businesspeople to remain put and ignore Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s attempt to eject long-distance matatus stationed at the popular Tea Room matatu stage from the Nairobi Central Business District.

Speaking during an interview on Inooro Tv on Sunday, the DP said Sakaja’s move was ill-motivated and would hurt business people despite their huge contribution to the city economy.

He claimed that Sakaja’s move was aimed at hurting business people from the Mt. Kenya region.

He claimed that the matatu industry supported hundreds of other small and medium enterprises and that it would be difficult for those people to cover long distances with their luggage.

“I do not have any problem with anyone… but anyone who feels that there should be a change or shift in status quo should first consider how it shall change the lives of Kenyans and have a dialogue about it before making any decisions,” he said.

On the closure of clubs within residential areas in Nairobi, Gachagua said people had invested heavily in the entertainment industry, and Sakaja should allow the owners to sit down with the surrounding residents and institution managers and agree on how to co-exist.

He said that owners of bars should be allowed time to fit their business with soundproof walls to minimize noise.

“You are the same people who have issued these businessmen and women with licenses to operate clubs within the residential areas. You cannot wake up one day and decide to close their business, yet they have invested their money there, rather invite them for a dialogue with an ultimatum,” he said.

He added that he would not sit back and allow Sakaja to close down any businesses.

“I want to tell people this, keep on with your business. The government under the stewardship of President William Ruto has you covered and protected. Our government will not allow you to be anyone, regardless of who they call themselves to ruin your businesses,” he said.

On the other end, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, while speaking during a church service at South B Pefa church on Sunday, maintained that there is no turning back on plans to restore Nairobi to its past glory.

He hit out at critics, saying improving the residents well-being and decongestion of the city was his sole responsibility as a governor.

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“I respect the Deputy President and I would like to remind those speaking from different regions of Kenya trying to cause a rift between the county and national government and Nairobians on tribal lines that they will not succeed. There are duties for county and national government and we will work together,” Sakaja said.

The governor urged city residents to accept changes saying though painful they were necessary to move Nairobi to modern standards.