Thousands of traders at the large second-hand goods market, Gikomba, are counting losses in the millions of shillings following the Monday night demolition of the shoe section.
The demolition is part of the process of reclaiming riparian land and constructing a riverine complex.
The government has been blamed for going beyond the agreed space in the demolition, with some leaders condemning the action.
Being Nairobi’s sprawling marketplace and the lifeblood of thousands, on Tuesday, there was a different kind of activity: traders sifting through what remained of their stalls, their stock and their investments after bulldozers came in the middle of the night.
“Tulipokea masimu ya kwamba soko imebomolewa, kunaingia bulldozer na vijana wengi zaidi, kenye inatuumiza sana ni vijana walikuwa wengi zaidi, haungeweza kuokoa kitu chochote,” a trader, Isabel Githenji said.
Gikomba has always been a place of hope, a source of livelihood for thousands, where a pair of second-hand shoes could transform a life. The shoe market’s removal has sent shockwaves, leaving many grappling with an uncertain future.
“Lakini inafaa mnaangalia tunakulia wapi juu saa hii nikienda, nimesema hapa hivi sina kazi leo, niende nifanye makosa pale hawataangalia mahali nilikuwa natafutia unga, wataangalia makosa nilifanya,” said another trader Lucky Omondi.
The shoe sellers of Gikomba say the government has taken more of their space than they had initially agreed on.
“Ukiangalia mahali mto iko na mahali imebomolewa ni sixty metres hata tunashangaa tumetoka 15 tumefika 30 saa hii zaidi ya 60 metres,” Isabel noted.
On his part, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said: “Sisi kama viongozi hatutakaa tukiona mwananchi akinyanyaswa.”
The government maintains its motivation is not just to modernise the market but also to reclaim riparian land in a bid to create a safer, more organised trading environment and address perennial risks that have plagued the area.
“This demolition seeks to address persistent risks that have affected traders, including flooding and fires,” said Housing PS Charles Hinga.
However, traders insist the process must be transparent and free from cartels.
Judith Omondi added: “The landlords were against it, walikuwa wanataka waandikwe ndio stalls zikijengwa warudi wawe ndio landlords wetu, of which we did not agree.”
Traders are now calling on the government to honour its promise and fast-track the construction of modern stalls to enable them to resume business.
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