"Tumechoka Na Wewe, Kuja Ata Kesho Uzibomoe" Furious Githurai Traders Tells Ruto After Demolitions

Kiambu – Traders at Githurai 45 are counting heavy losses after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) demolished market stalls and roadside structures in a late-night operation on Wednesday, February 18.

The demolitions targeted traders operating along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu and Githurai sections. 

According to KeNHA, the exercise was meant to clear road reserves to pave the way for the construction of modern bus bays aimed at improving road safety and reducing traffic congestion.

Viral photos and videos showed bulldozers flattening mabati structures as shocked traders watched from a distance. 

By Thursday morning, heaps of twisted iron sheets, broken timber, and scattered goods painted a grim picture of the aftermath.

Why Were the Stalls Demolished? 

In a public notice issued on February 9, KeNHA had directed roadside traders to vacate the road reserves within seven days. 

The authority explained that the move was necessary to facilitate the construction of designated bus bays to ensure orderly passenger pick-up and drop-off.

KeNHA Director General Luka Kipchumba Kimeli said the project forms part of ongoing road safety improvement initiatives meant to reduce accidents along the busy highway.

However, traders claim the demolitions were executed harshly and without adequate alternative arrangements. 

Many said the existing market constructed in Githurai is too small to accommodate all displaced vendors.

“We are making losses. Our stalls have been demolished and we don’t know where to go. The market built here is not spacious enough for all of us,” lamented one trader during the protests.

Traders Block Thika Road

On Thursday, February 19, hundreds of aggrieved traders marched along Thika Road, temporarily disrupting traffic as they protested the demolitions. 

Some accused the government of betraying pre-election promises made to small-scale traders under the bottom-up economic model championed by President William Ruto.

A section of protesters openly criticised the head of state, with some warning that the demolitions could have political consequences.

Gachagua Condemns Demolitions

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua strongly criticised the operation, terming it inhuman and insensitive to struggling Kenyans.

He questioned the urgency of conducting the demolitions at night and accused the government of being disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens. 

According to Gachagua, deploying heavy machinery and security personnel against small traders reflected poor leadership and disregard for human dignity.

Mixed Reactions from Kenyans

The demolitions have sparked heated debate online. While some Kenyans condemned KeNHA for what they termed a harsh crackdown on small businesses, others defended the authority, arguing that road reserves must remain clear to enhance safety and order.

Supporters of the exercise maintained that transforming bus stages into organised bays would reduce accidents and traffic chaos along the superhighway.