Githurai traders clash with police after demolition of roadside stalls
Police on Thursday were forced to fire tear gas at traders at Githurai Market along the Thika Superhighway to disperse them after they set tyres ablaze and blocked the highway.
The unrest followed the halting of business for dozens of roadside traders on Wednesday night after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) launched an enforcement operation to remove informal structures along Thika Road under police supervision.
The operation targeted kiosks, wooden sheds and small stalls erected on the road reserve of the Thika Superhighway. Excavators moved in just before dusk, flattening makeshift businesses as traders hurriedly removed their goods in a desperate bid to limit losses.
Some traders expressed anger, claiming the demolitions were carried out with excessive force. While some admitted they had been verbally warned before, many said they did not expect the demolitions to be executed so quickly or in such a manner.
For many small-scale vendors, they said the demolitions represented not just the loss of structures but the disruption of livelihoods built over years in one of the area’s busiest trading hubs.
The demolitions came after the expiry of a seven-day order to vacate road reserves to make way for new bus bays. On Wednesday afternoon, traffic along Thika Road was disrupted as protests erupted near the Githurai overpass, with demonstrators setting tyres alight and blocking sections of the highway.
Police moved in to disperse the crowd, leading to skirmishes between officers and protesters. The unrest caused heavy traffic leaving vehicles heading towards Nairobi’s Central Business District stuck for hours.
Despite the protests, many residents and motorists acknowledged the need for a clean-up, noting that sufficient notice had been given.
“The Githurai roundabout has been a mess for year with congestion and matatu chaos putting pedestrians’ lives at risk daily. It is long overdue for this to be fixed. While I support the clearance, destroying livelihoods without a clear relocation plan is unacceptable.
“The Githurai roundabout was dangerous. I live there, so I know. That place needs to be brought under control,” said a resident who identified himself as Wachira.
Another resident said:“Driving along Githurai was chaotic. Hawkers and traders were actually on the road. I’m glad KeNHA has demolished illegal structures to make way for development.”
Some traders, however, vowed to rebuild their stalls.
“Githurai is the gateway to Mt Kenya. President Ruto promised to turn mama mbogas into shop owners but now he is demolishing our vibandas. Where will we go? Where will I buy my daily food? This is too much for the people who voted for him,” said one vendor.
Although a modern, multi-storey market was built to accommodate the traders, it has not yet been occupied despite its proximity to the road.
On February 10, KeNHA announced scheduled roadworks along the Nairobi-bound corridor at Githurai and both directions at Roysambu.
The works are intended to facilitate the construction of designated bus bays, part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and improve traffic flow along the busy highway.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify all roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu (both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi direction) sections to clear their wares from the road reserve within seven (7) days of this notice,” the authority said.
According to KeNHA, the new bus bays will provide safe and orderly passenger pick-up and drop-off points, helping to reduce traffic congestion.
“This project is part of our ongoing road safety improvement efforts, designed to reduce accidents and ensure unobstructed traffic flow along the highway,” the notice read.
The then-acting Director-General Luka Kimeli urged traders to comply with the timelines to avoid disruption and ensure timely completion of the project.
The Thika Superhighway is one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors linking Nairobi to central and eastern regions adn frequently experiences heavy congestion, particularly around Roysambu and Githurai.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.