In a strongly worded statement, Omanga said she feels betrayed by the government’s actions, describing the demolitions as painful and unfair to thousands of traders who depend on the market for their daily income.
She noted that Gikomba, widely known as one of the largest open-air markets in East and Central Africa, is a vital economic hub that supports countless families.
Omanga particularly criticized the timing of the demolitions, which were reportedly carried out at night. According to her, this denied traders any chance to salvage their goods, leading to massive losses.
Omanga particularly criticized the timing of the demolitions, which were reportedly carried out at night. According to her, this denied traders any chance to salvage their goods, leading to massive losses.
She argued that such an approach reflects a lack of empathy and planning from authorities tasked with managing the city.
The outspoken politician emphasized that Gikomba is more than just a marketplace. She described it as the “heartbeat” of many small businesses and informal traders who rely on it to survive.
The outspoken politician emphasized that Gikomba is more than just a marketplace. She described it as the “heartbeat” of many small businesses and informal traders who rely on it to survive.
With structures brought down, many traders are now facing uncertainty, with years of hard work and investment wiped out within hours.
She further faulted the government for failing to issue adequate notice or provide alternative solutions for those affected.
She further faulted the government for failing to issue adequate notice or provide alternative solutions for those affected.
In her view, the demolitions highlight a disconnect between policy decisions and the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans trying to make a living.
Omanga called on the government to take immediate steps to address the situation. She urged authorities to compensate affected traders and put in place support systems to help them rebuild their businesses.
Omanga called on the government to take immediate steps to address the situation. She urged authorities to compensate affected traders and put in place support systems to help them rebuild their businesses.
Without such measures, she warned, public frustration could continue to grow and erode trust in leadership.
She also stressed the importance of consultation, urging government agencies to engage traders and stakeholders before undertaking major actions that affect livelihoods.
She also stressed the importance of consultation, urging government agencies to engage traders and stakeholders before undertaking major actions that affect livelihoods.
According to her, dialogue is key to avoiding unnecessary economic disruption and social tension.
In her closing remarks, Omanga appealed directly to President Ruto to prioritize policies that protect small-scale entrepreneurs.
In her closing remarks, Omanga appealed directly to President Ruto to prioritize policies that protect small-scale entrepreneurs.
She insisted that the government must focus on empowering businesses rather than taking actions that lead to their destruction.
The demolitions at Gikomba have left many traders struggling to recover, with uncertainty hanging over their future.
The demolitions at Gikomba have left many traders struggling to recover, with uncertainty hanging over their future.
Omanga’s reaction mirrors the wider concerns among Kenyans who depend on informal trade, raising broader questions about how urban development decisions are made and implemented.
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