Residents and small-scale traders in Makongeni, Thika, have raised alarm over what they describe as a stalled promise of business opportunities, accusing Kamenu Ward MCA Peter Mburu of collecting millions of shillings for stalls that have never been allocated.
The traders claim the issue dates back to 2024 when they were mobilised through a 12-member committee and asked to contribute Ksh 50,000 each in anticipation of securing space at the newly constructed Makongeni Bus Park.
A total of 72 traders reportedly made payments under the arrangement, with expectations of being allocated part of 80 promised stalls. However, two years later, the group says there has been no progress, leaving many grappling with financial strain and uncertainty.
Speaking on behalf of the affected group, Kennedy Ndaiga said several traders are now facing dire consequences after raising the funds through loans and asset sales.
“Some sold property, others borrowed from shylocks, and now they cannot repay. A number are facing auction. We are asking for our money back,” he said, calling on Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to intervene.
For Juliet Wanjiku Kariuki, the situation has turned into a personal crisis. She revealed that she borrowed money to make the contribution and is now struggling to stay afloat.
“I am being forced to sell my household items just to repay the loan. We trusted the promise of modern kiosks, but nothing has materialised,” she said.
The concerns extend beyond Makongeni Bus Park. Traders from nearby markets, including Madaraka Market, allege they were also drawn into the arrangement with promises of benefiting from surplus stalls in a larger project said to include up to 900 units.
Lewis Kinyanjui, a trader at Madaraka Market, claimed they were assured that only a fraction of the stalls would go to bus park traders, with the rest allocated to others in surrounding areas.
“We even have SMS messages and records of communication, but none of the promises have been honoured,” he said, adding that the matter has been reported at Makongeni Police Station.
Other traders, including Njuguna Maina, say they have gathered evidence such as M-PESA statements and call logs to support their claims, warning that legal action could be imminent if refunds are not made.
The situation has also placed pressure on those who mobilised contributors. Margaret Nyokabi Njoroge, who recruited several traders, says she is now under intense pressure to refund money she does not have.
The traders are now urging the county government to intervene urgently, even as they consider moving to court to seek justice.
