Goons raid, flatten stalls in Kiambu market
By Mathew Ndungu, May 22, 2025Over 500 traders at Kamwangi Market in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, are reeling from devastating losses after the market was demolished under the cover of night on Tuesday.
The demolition, reportedly carried out by goons wielding pangas and sticks, has left the local business community in shock and despair.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, believed to be hired, oversaw the destruction using a bulldozer just a day after traders held protests opposing the planned construction of a new market at the same location.
The government had earlier announced plans to erect a Sh380 million modern market at Kamwangi, a facility set to include vending stalls, breastfeeding rooms, and an ICT hub.
The launch of the project took place a month ago and was officiated by area MP Njoroge Kururia and his Kapsaret counterpart Oscar Sudi.
However, traders say they were never consulted and had raised objections over the project, insisting that the government should first complete the ongoing construction of alternative markets in Gatukuyu and Gakoe to accommodate them during the transition.
“Our pleas were ignored. Just yesterday, we protested peacefully. Today, we are left with rubble and stolen goods,” lamented James Nginya, a trader who lost stock worth hundreds of thousands in the overnight attack.
In addition to the destruction of market stalls, traders claim the attackers looted their merchandise, including foodstuffs, clothing, and other valuable stock stored at the site.
During Wednesday’s demonstrations outside the Kamwangi Deputy County Commissioner’s office, the traders demanded urgent government intervention.
They vowed to resist any further construction unless they are given alternative places to conduct their businesses.
MP Njoroge Kururia, who addressed the furious traders on Tuesday during demonstrations, said he had cancelled the construction contract following public outcry.
“As the area MP, today at 2:50 PM, I have instructed the works to be halted. I have washed my hands now that the beneficiaries have objected to the project,” said the MP.
The traders are now calling on both the county and national governments to take responsibility and offer immediate support.
“We were promised development, not destruction. We now have nowhere to go, and many families depend on this market for survival,” Sarah Mumbi, another trader stated.
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