April 30, 1980: President Moi tells hawkers on the outlawed Ngara Road open-air market, Nairobi, that they can stay. He lifted the ban when he arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from Lagos where he attended the OAU Economic Summit. And his decision drew wild applause from the thousands of wananchi who turned up to welcome the President home. The fruit and vegetable sellers had been ordered by the City Council to leave the open-air market or face prosecution. The President’s directive means they can carry on trading until alternative accommodation found for them. The President appealed to Nairobi His Worship Mayor Nathan Kahara (right) and local Government Minister Mr. Charles Rubia to co-operate in the interest of wananchi.

Photo|Nation Syndication