Chaos Erupts at Ngoliba Market, Thika Amid Battle Between County and National Government

Sunday, March 30th, 2025, marked a chaotic day at Ngoliba Market in Thika, Kiambu County as violent clashes erupted between county enforcement officers (askaris) and rowdy youths. The conflict centered on control over the construction of the market, leaving scores injured, vehicles damaged, and tensions high in the community. What was supposed to be a development milestone instead became a battleground of conflicting interests.

The unrest unfolded as Kiambu County officials reportedly deployed personnel to block a contractor awarded the tender for the project by the National Government. The move enraged local youths, who viewed it as unwarranted interference with a critical development initiative. The confrontation escalated, culminating in chaotic scenes of violence between the youths and askaris.

The situation took a political turn as supporters of Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and those allied to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi clashed during the MP’s launch of the Sh55 million Economic Stimulus Program. The project, hosted in Ngoliba within Thika East Sub-County, was intended to bring much-needed development to the area but instead deepened political tensions.

Allies of Governor Wamatangi argued that the MP had no authority to spearhead market projects, claiming that such initiatives fall under the purview of county governments. They accused Ng’ang’a of leveraging state-funded projects for political mileage, further fueling the dispute. Their hostility led to attempts to block the MP from officially commissioning the project.

The situation required police intervention, with officers led by Thika East Sub-County Police Commander Andrew Nzola restoring order after an extended standoff. Despite the resistance, MP Alice Ng’ang’a defiantly proceeded with the project launch, making it clear she would not be deterred from her development agenda.

“This is just the beginning,” Ng’ang’a declared during the event. “We are moving forward with the construction of five other markets in Ngoliba, Gatuanyaga, Kiganjo, Maguguni, and Landless. Let no one panic; development cannot be stopped.” She accused her political rivals of attempting to derail her efforts due to her strong track record, stating that the new market would revolutionize the local economy by creating accessible spaces for farmers and traders alike.

Accompanying Ng’ang’a was Ngoliba MCA Joakim Njama, who sharply criticized Governor Wamatangi for neglecting the area’s development needs. According to Njama, Wamatangi has yet to fulfill his election promises, leaving residents frustrated and paving the way for other leaders to step in.

“The people of Ngoliba want tangible development, not empty rhetoric. This market will not only empower our traders but also benefit the county government through revenue collection. The Governor should support, not fight, these efforts,” Njama asserted.

The chaos also highlighted underlying legal disputes over the market’s construction. Kiambu County officials insist they had already awarded the tender to a separate contractor, asserting that the project falls under their jurisdiction.

They claim those backing the National Government’s involvement have ulterior motives, such as seeking to appropriate parts of the land reserved for the market. On the other hand, reports suggest that some of the hired enforcers present were protecting a contractor seeking to uphold a court order on the legal authority to construct the market, adding layers of complexity and confusion to the dispute.

As both sides maintain their positions, the incident underscores the deepening political rivalry between MP Ng’ang’a and Governor Wamatangi, with the 2027 elections looming on the horizon. Ng’ang’a has reportedly gained significant traction across the county, challenging Wamatangi’s political influence and unsettling his supporters.

Kiambu County officials further stressed that they have allocated KES 55 million for the project, reiterating their belief that the market’s construction is their responsibility. They accused the MP’s supporters of undermining county efforts and compromising the integrity of the project.

Residents expressed their frustration at the lack of effective leadership in resolving the dispute, fearing that such conflicts will delay critical development initiatives.

By Grace Githinji