Githurai traders rally against 'unlawful' eviction notice
They are now calling for a meeting with their elected representatives, including the governor, to discuss the way forward and seek a fair resolution.
Tensions are still high at Jubilee Market in Githurai, Kiambu County, as local traders expressed outrage over a 30-day eviction notice they claim was issued abruptly and without any proposed relocation alternative.
The traders have criticized Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, accusing him of ignoring their grievances and failing to honor pledges made during his campaign.
They are now calling for a meeting with their elected representatives, including the governor, to discuss the way forward and seek a fair resolution.
A notice seen by The Standard indicates that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has instructed traders at the market to dismantle their stalls and vacate the area within 30 days.
The letter cautions that non-compliance could attract a penalty of up to Sh100,000 or a one-year jail term.
The eviction notice, dated April 3 and delivered by the area chief, cites unlawful occupation of a road reserve and unauthorized encroachment.
However, traders have cast doubt on its legitimacy, pointing out that the document lacks an official stamp or signature.
In the wake of the protests, traders allege that police used live ammunition and teargas in efforts to disperse the crowd.
Lucy Njeri, a long-time vendor at Jubilee Market, recalled that President William Ruto—while serving in the previous government—had assured them they wouldn’t be evicted until a new market was established.
"The President visited with our governor and announced that funds had been released for the second phase of the Githurai Jubilee Market. But to this day, no construction has taken place," Njeri told The Standard.
Jubilee Market is a section of the larger Githurai 45 Market, which also includes Migingo/Muiguithania, Post Bank, Kwa Nyanya, New Jubilee, Gateway, and Pamoja Market.
On August 4, 2023, President William Ruto officially commissioned the Sh400 million market, which features 1,200 stalls. The facility had been completed over a year earlier during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
The launch came in response to public outcry from traders who had accused government officials of political interference and manipulating the list of beneficiaries for Phase One of the project.