NAIROBI, Kenya — Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has strongly condemned what he described as “brutal night evictions” in Githurai, Ruiru and Thika, accusing authorities of destroying traders’ livelihoods in the name of development.
In a statement, the senator criticized the burning of stalls and demolition of businesses, saying the actions amounted to oppression rather than progress.
“Burning stalls and destroying livelihoods in the name of eviction is oppression, not progress,” he said.
The evictions reportedly took place at night, leaving several small-scale traders counting losses after their structures were razed.
The extent of the damage and the number of affected traders were not immediately clear.
The senator called on President William Ruto’s administration to halt the demolitions, compensate affected traders, and address what he termed “cartel capture” in the management of public spaces.
“President Ruto’s regime must stop the demolitions, end cartel capture, compensate affected traders, and respect the law. Development must build people, not burn them,” he added.
Authorities had not issued an official statement on the specific evictions by the time of publication.
The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny over how redevelopment and enforcement operations are conducted, particularly where they affect small businesses and informal sector traders.