Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked matatu operators to ignore Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s order and continue operating from Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

Gachagua defended his statement by saying people who frequent Nairobi CBD are yet to complain about congestion because it is where they eke their living and the Nairobi City County Government is yet to offer any alternatives.

Gachagua was speaking during an interview with a local TV station.

“Those who come to town are not complaining of congestion because that is where they get their daily bread,” Gachagua said.

"When those planning to evict matatus from the CBD bring trains, we shall accept that they remove matatus but for now there are no trains or buses."

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The DP further said he has no problem with Sakaja but was protecting traders and wished that the county government could hold dialogues before making changes that will affect the lives of Kenyans.

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

Gachagua and Sakaja have been out of step with each other over the latter’s idea to move matatus out of the Nairobi CBD in a bid to decongest the city.