Economy

Kidero sacks city director, senior officers over hawkers menace

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City Hall in Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has sacked the director of Inspectorate department Hillary Wambugu over the hawkers menace and collapse of order in the city centre.

Mr Wambugu is among six senior officers who have been fired for corruption and allowing lawlessness to take root including flouting of traffic rules by matatus and boda bodas.

The inspectorate is the enforcement wing of the county government and is charged with maintaining law and order in the city including arresting those who flout by-laws.

Other officers who were sacked include Jairus Gekonge who was in charge of all inspectorate officers deployed in the Central Business District (CBD) and Peter Mwatu who is in charge of inspectorate vehicles used in the CBD.

Mr Ndambuki Muteti, a sergeant, Tom Omollo, head of operations in Starehe Division and James Muhindi, a superintendent were also sacked
On Tuesday.

City Hall cleared some of the city streets of hawkers following an outcry by business owners who complained that the vendors have blocked entrances to their shops.

“It is annoying that my officers continue demanding for bribes from innocent residents who are trying to make ends meet,” Mr Kidero said.

“I will continue sacking them until I remain with people who are interested in serving this great city.”

The hawkers have in recent weeks moved into the CBD where they have been selling their wares from street pavements inconveniencing pedestrians and affecting business in retail shops.