- Millicent Omanga criticized the government for the demolition of Gikomba Market while traders were protesting.
- Initially, the government issued a notice and explained the reasons for moving them amid opposition from some politicians
- Omanga explained why he rejected the appointment of President William Ruto, thus raising mixed feelings
Nairobi: Former senator Millicent Omanga has criticized the government following the demolition of part of Gikomba Market.
Source: Facebook
The demolition was carried out after there was no notice directing the traders to evacuate to facilitate the resettlement of land along the Nairobi River for restoration and flood control.
Traders were required to move at least 50 meters from the river’s edge, but many objected, citing concerns over transparency and claims that the trading companies took over the allocation process.
Responding after the night exercise, Omanga condemned the move, suggesting that thousands of businesses would be lost.
“Gikomba is not just a market; it is the pulse of thousands of people. Today, it is being demolished. Businessmen have lost their shares, their properties, and their lives without alternatives, without answers. The largest market in East and Central Africa has been reduced to losses and silence,” he lamented.
Why did Omanga reject Ruto’s appointment?
Omanga said that his pain stemmed from supporting the current government, which made him believe that the people at the bottom would be strengthened.
The politician who is now in the opposition revealed that he opposed the appointment of the President William Ruto in the Nairobi Rivers Commission because he could not stand what was going on.
“What hurts the most… is that this is the same government that I defended with everything in my heart. We believed in money in our pocket. We carried that promise with hope. But today, it seems like that promise was not meant for us… it’s just a cruel distortion, stealing the money in our pocket. This is the same reason I rejected Kasongo’s nomination,” Omanga said.
The former senator asked Kenyans to forgive him for ignoring warnings about supporting Ruto.
“My heart is heavy. I regret it. And for those who saw this coming but didn’t listen, I apologize,” he said.
Source: Facebook
Did Kenyans support the demolition of Gikomba?
Spark Blade Bush “People must come out of the rivers and a modern market should be built. You are the same people when floods come you will say the government is not working.”
Kennlimo Kiplee “Change is as good as a rest. Let’s have a modern market. Let’s stop the hustle. Those who used to pay for the booths are the ones who hustle the most.”
James Mwiti “We also need a dignified market that can accommodate more clients… some do not sell in Gikomba due to the chaotic environment. If it is built well, it will grow well for many.”
Edwin Chivini “Nairobi must work and make it attractive. This is our city and we have money. We can make it attractive. Not always according to newspapers and social media, Nairobi is number last in Africa, again the dirtiest city… we must work.”
What did Gachagua say about the demolition of Gikomba?
In the news related to that, the former vice president Rigathi Gachagua he denounced the demolition exercise and described it as ‘barbaric and barbaric.’
He claimed that the decision to relocate the traders was politically motivated.
Gachagua emphasized that Ruto is angry with the ‘wantam’ statement and that the president no longer cares about human life, small farmers or business.
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