Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Wednesday accused the viral 14-year-old hawker from Burundi whose groundnuts were spilled by Kanjos of seeking sympathy from Kenyans.
In a statement, Sakaja confirmed that he had met the boy but maintained that the young Burundian national had contravened rules to which traders are expected to adhere.
"Earlier in the month, the Governor had brought together the leadership of hawkers, traders, and enforcement officers, where an agreement was reached on the streets where hawkers are allowed to operate from as well as operating times which begin at 4:00 pm in the CBD," read part of the statement.
"This has been largely complied with to the joy of pedestrians, shop owners, and the hawkers themselves."
Although the county chief conceded that the askaris should have handled him more gently, Sakaja claimed that the boy was notorious for spilling his goods as a tactic to attract sympathy and avoid possible arrests.
"Unfortunately, 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," Sakaja explained.
The Governor revealed that the minor had successfully pulled similar antics in the past 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."
In his statement, Sakaja also revealed that he had contacted the Burundian Ambassador to Kenya asking him to rescue his fellow national.
Sakaja revealed that in his conversations with the Burundian envoy, the two parties agreed to ensure the boy's interests were well catered for including having his education supported.
Further, Sakaja also engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to solve the issue of child trafficking - which he admitted has been a menace in the nation's capital.
The young hawker had in a viral video been depicted being distraught after the Kanjos raided his business premises in Nairobi CBD and poured the groundnuts on the ground.
