In Githurai, Kiambu County, a tense standoff has emerged as approximately 600 traders stand firm against a planned eviction that they claim is motivated by ulterior interests. The eviction, purportedly intended to make way for the construction of a new bus stage, has sparked a fierce resistance from local business owners who accuse a local Member of the County Assembly (MCA) of conspiring with a cartel to displace them for personal gain.
The affected group includes a diverse array of professionals such as mechanics, food kiosk operators, welders, and boda boda (motorcycle taxi) riders. They argue that the eviction is not only unjust but also poorly planned, highlighting a lack of proper communication or public participation in the decision-making process. According to the traders, they were neither given a formal eviction notice nor were they involved in any public hearings regarding the proposed bus park.
Stephen Kimani, Chairman of New Jubilee Garage, one of the key groups affected by the eviction order, voiced the collective frustration of the traders. “We have been operating in this garage for over 15 years,” Kimani explained. “It has become a vital part of the local economy, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of residents. To be uprooted without any prior notice or due process is not only unfair but deeply disruptive.”
The traders’ grievances are centered around allegations that the MCA is leveraging local administrators and officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to push through the eviction under false pretenses. The traders claim that the proposed bus stage is a pretext for a more nefarious agenda driven by personal and political motives. Kimani and other leaders of the resistance assert that the MCA and his associates are part of a larger cartel that seeks to benefit from the displacement of local businesses.
“There has been a lot of talk about development and progress, but it seems that the interests of a few individuals are being prioritized over the welfare of the community,” Kimani said. “This is not just about us losing our businesses; it’s about the entire Githurai community being marginalized in favor of a select few who have their own agendas.”
In addition to the economic impact of the eviction, which would leave many traders without a source of income, the community is also concerned about the broader implications for local governance and accountability. The lack of transparency and public participation in the planning process has raised questions about the integrity of the decision-making process and the role of local officials.
The traders and mechanics have made a public plea for intervention from higher authorities, including the Governor of Kiambu County, Kimani Wamatangi. They are calling for a fair review of the situation and an investigation into the allegations of cartel involvement. The traders argue that a more inclusive approach to development, one that genuinely considers the needs and voices of the local population, is essential for sustainable progress.
As tensions continue to rise, the future of the Githurai traders remains uncertain. The outcome of this dispute will likely hinge on the ability of local authorities to address the traders’ concerns and ensure that any development plans are executed with transparency and fairness. For now, the traders remain steadfast in their resistance, hopeful that their calls for justice and equity will be heard and acted upon.
