Marurui is home to many squatters, particularly in the Jua Kali settlement. Protesters voiced their concerns, asserting their right to remain on the land. One protester stated, “I was born here, my whole family is here, and I am raising my kids here as well. If they chase us from here, I have no other place to go.”

A recent court ruling favored Langton Investments Limited regarding a disputed property in Marurui. This ruling has intensified tensions and led to demolitions on a 300-acre parcel linked to the late John Michuki.

During the demolition operation, Jared Okoth Okode was arrested. Heavy police deployment marked a tense standoff along the Northern Bypass as the demolitions occurred.

The Environment and Land Court previously halted construction on contested land in April 2025. Langton Investments Limited issued a public notice cautioning against purchasing the disputed land.

Officials maintain that Langton Investments is the lawful and registered proprietor of the land. The ruling effectively invalidated any claims arising from the disputed subdivisions and set the stage for enforcement actions.

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The Gikomba market, a vital hub for traders in Nairobi, stood as a bustling center for commerce until recent developments shifted the landscape dramatically. Traders had expected to continue their operations, but the situation changed overnight when county authorities demolished a section of the shoe market on March 31, 2026.

This decisive action followed the expiration of a 30-day eviction notice issued to traders, aimed at reclaiming riparian lands along the Nairobi River. Approximately 6,000 traders have been affected by this demolition, which was executed under tight security and began around 3 a.m.

The demolished section was identified as encroaching on designated river reserve land, aligning with a broader directive from the Interior Ministry issued in May 2024. This clearance is part of emergency interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of heavy rains and recurrent flooding, which have recently claimed over 100 lives nationwide, with Nairobi recording the highest fatalities at 37.

Traders expressed their frustration and loss due to the sudden demolition. George Ochieng, a trader, noted, “If we had been given an alternative space, we would have moved. Gikomba is 16 acres, but the temporary site is only a quarter of an acre.” This sentiment reflects the anxiety and uncertainty faced by many who relied on the market for their livelihoods.

Margaret Washiko, another trader, stated, “We accept it because if the government sees it is good that they can take care of us, we will not give up and we will not fight. We were prepared. It was not a shock.” However, the lack of a clear timeline for the construction of a new market for displaced traders adds to the uncertainty.

Katima Mekenye highlighted the immediate impact on daily sales, saying, “Many people here are hand-to-mouth. If they had started with the alternative area, we would have at least gotten a sale today.” The situation is dire for many, especially those with financial obligations.

Edward Dickson raised concerns about the future, asking, “There are women who have children, people with loans they must pay. Where will they take us?” This reflects the broader implications of the demolition on the community’s economic stability.

As the government plans to construct a new market for the displaced traders, details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline and logistics of this initiative. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for immediate support for those affected by the demolition.

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