Traders in Githurai are living in fear of eviction from the market due to ongoing conflicts that have persisted since President Ruto officially opened it in August last year. The traders claim that cartels are organizing plans to evict them.
Speaking to Kiambu TV, the traders expressed their disapproval of the eviction plans, questioning why they were being targeted when they had done nothing wrong. “We have been operating here for years, even before the market was constructed and after it was opened. Where do they want to take us?” one trader asked.
The traders have appealed for Governor Wamatangi’s intervention, accusing self-proclaimed leaders of causing continued discomfort in the market. “Here in Githurai, we have self-proclaimed leaders who have been trying to ruin other people’s businesses. We want the Governor to come and see for himself,” another trader said. They also refuted claims that there are seven markets, stating they only know of four.
According to the traders, the conflicts in Githurai stem from the unfair allocation of stalls after the new market was constructed and opened. They said they applied for the stalls at a fee, but after submitting their names during Governor Nyoro’s administration, the list was rejected when Governor Wamatangi assumed office. They expressed frustration over the decision, as many deserving traders were left out due to corruption in the process.
The traders also accused the cartels of hijacking the process and feeding Governor Wamatangi false information, as the Governor had never come to listen to their grievances. They have now appealed to the county government of Kiambu, which President Ruto tasked with managing the market, to cancel the previous allocation of stalls and start the process afresh so that Githurai traders can benefit.
By; Mwaura Kimani
