Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has defended his actions following a viral video that captured a confrontation between him and a hawker in the city’s Central Business District (CBD), sparking widespread debate online.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Saturday, June 28, Mosiria clarified that the enforcement of city by-laws should not be viewed as an attack on the urban poor but as a necessary measure to restore order and ensure fairness for all traders.

He criticized leaders who, in his view, romanticize law-breaking under the guise of poverty.

“It is regrettable when leaders, who should be championing sustainable solutions, instead encourage hawkers to occupy pedestrian walkways and justify it on grounds of poverty,” said Mosiria.

He argued that poverty is not exclusive to street hawkers and noted that many traders operating from designated back lanes are equally struggling but have chosen to comply with regulations.

“The struggle is shared those in permitted areas are also poor, but they are earning their living with dignity and within the law,” he added.

Mosiria further accused some hawkers of obstructing business entrances and engaging in unfair competition by selling similar goods to shop owners at lower prices, thereby undermining licensed traders who pay for operational space and comply with county regulations.

He also addressed the public backlash on social media, calling it a case of "performative outrage" driven by optics rather than genuine concern.

He expressed disappointment in leaders who, according to him, only intervene when a situation gains online traction.

Without mincing words, Mosiria singled out Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who had criticized him over the incident. He challenged the MP to go beyond social media advocacy and support long-term solutions for informal traders.

“If he truly wants to help, let it be for all hawkers facing the same plight not just one individual who trended online. Let’s see action beyond the cameras,” he said.

Mosiria concluded by stating that while his efforts may not always be visible, he has played a role in supporting vulnerable traders to find safer and more sustainable alternatives.

He urged critics to account for their own contributions to addressing the city’s informal trade challenges.

The incident has reignited a broader conversation about the regulation of informal businesses in Nairobi, highlighting the tension between maintaining urban order and safeguarding livelihoods in a struggling economy.