04/03/2026
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has announced that a court has temporarily halted the planned demolition of Gikomba Market following legal action initiated by his team.
In a statement, the legislator said his lawyers successfully obtained court orders stopping the exercise, offering relief to thousands of traders who depend on the bustling open-air market for their daily income.
According to Owino, the move to court was aimed at protecting small-scale traders and families whose livelihoods were at risk. While details of the redevelopment plan and the parties behind the intended demolition remain limited, the courtâs directive effectively pauses any immediate action pending further legal proceedings.
âThe rule of law exists to safeguard citizens, especially the vulnerable,â Owino stated, urging all parties to comply with the courtâs directions and allow due process to unfold.
Gikomba Market, located near Nairobiâs central business district, is one of the largest second-hand clothing and informal goods markets in Kenya. It supports thousands of traders dealing in mitumba (used clothing), fresh produce, household goods, and hardware supplies.
News of the halted demolition has sparked relief among traders who feared displacement without clear resettlement or compensation plans. Several market leaders have previously raised concerns over abrupt evictions in informal trading zones across the capital.
The attempted demolition has reignited the debate over urban redevelopment and the protection of informal sector workers. Owino emphasized that infrastructure expansion and modernization efforts must be balanced with social protection measures.
âDevelopment must never come at the cost of humanity,â he said, adding that economic transformation should be inclusive and consultative.
The matter is now expected to proceed through the courts, where arguments surrounding land use, urban planning, and tradersâ rights will be examined. Stakeholders are awaiting clarification from county authorities and national agencies regarding the intended project and its implications.
For now, operations at Gikomba Market continue as usual under the protection of the court order, pending further judicial directions.