Sonko on Thursday declined a request by Nairobi County Commissioner Amos Mariba that City Hall facilitates police officers to flush out hawkers from the CBD.

The County Commissioner had sought Sh6.3 million for officers’ meals, allowances and fuel for the operation that was expected to go on for fourteen days.

The County Inspectorate is ideally supposed to carry out such operations but the national government was forced to intervene after the hawker menace escalated to a security threat.

Despite the setback, several lorries carrying police officers patrolled downtown Nairobi including Kirinyaga Road, River Road, and Tom Mboya street.

Tens of hawkers were arrested and charged at City Hall while others were taken to the Central Police Station.

“We have arrested many [hawkers and boda bodas], but I cannot confirm the exact number,” Central police station OCPD Robison Thuku stated.