Agnes Kagure, the progressive leader and entrepreneur who heads the Kenya Patriots Party and is the incoming governor of Nairobi County, spoke out strongly about the painful situation at Gikomba Market, saying it was deeply troubling to see traders lose their livelihoods while the city’s leadership failed to show up.
She criticized the absence of Governor Johnson Sakaja at a time when families needed protection and direction, calling it a sad day for Nairobi as many watched their businesses being brought down through demolitions.
Gikomba Market is one of the busiest open-air markets in Nairobi, supporting thousands of traders every day. Many of them depend on selling second-hand clothes, shoes, and household goods to meet daily needs.
These small businesses are the backbone of many families, helping pay rent, school fees, and food expenses. When the demolitions began, they moved quickly through the tightly packed stalls.
Within hours, large sections were cleared, leaving traders with nothing. Many arrived to find their entire stock gone, with no clear way to recover.
This is not the first time traders at Gikomba have faced such disruptions. Similar operations in the past have left many struggling to rebuild their lives.
Each time, they are forced to start again, often relying on loans or support from friends and family. The market’s crowded layout and informal structures have often been cited as reasons for such actions.
Traders have repeatedly called for better planning, fair notice before demolitions, and proper relocation plans, but these concerns have not been fully addressed.
At the time of the demolitions, Johnson Sakaja was reportedly not available to manage the situation. Reports indicated that he was avoiding arrest over corruption-related questions after failing to appear before a Senate committee.
This created a leadership gap during a critical moment, leaving traders without clear support or reassurance from the county government.
Agnes Kagure used this moment to highlight what she described as a failure in leadership. She stressed that leaders must be present during difficult times to guide response efforts, protect affected traders, and ensure they receive support.
According to her, the absence of leadership makes it harder for county officers to act effectively and delays help to those in need.
The incident also points to wider issues in how Nairobi is managed. Concerns about corruption and unclear spending affect service delivery, including how markets are planned and managed.
Traders have long asked for lasting solutions, including better infrastructure, clear policies, and fair treatment to prevent repeated losses.
Residents across Nairobi have expressed frustration, agreeing that leadership must be visible and accountable, especially during such moments. Kagure’s message reflects a call for change, with many hoping for a city that is better managed and more responsive to the needs of its people.
