Githurai traders who gathered outside the newly constructed market expressed their frustration over the county government’s prolonged delay in officially opening the facility. Agitated by the long wait, the traders issued Governor Wamatangi a five-day ultimatum to present the official list of genuine Githurai traders who will be allocated stalls in the market.
The Modern Githurai Market, officially opened by President Ruto last year and handed over to the Kiambu County Government, has yet to become operational due to disagreements over the allocation of stalls. Githurai traders have accused cartels of hijacking the process by replacing the names of legitimate traders with unrecognized individuals.
County government officials, sent to calm the traders and provide clarity on the way forward, struggled to convince them to allow more time to finalize the process. Led by the Kiambu CEC of Trade, the officials were accused of repeatedly asking for time without delivering tangible results.
The traders also condemned the ongoing political maneuvering surrounding the market, expressing frustration with their leaders for failing to defend their interests boldly. “We are calling out our leaders and asking them to change. We have two years left until the election,” one Githurai trader remarked.
The traders are demanding a transparent and fair allocation process and warning that if the five-day ultimatum given to the Kiambu County Government is not met, they will forcibly enter the new market.
By Mwaura Kimani
