Wamatangi condemns Githurai demolitions, asks Ruto to intervene

President William Ruto and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi during a Church Service in Ruiru on February 22, 2026 / PCS

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has criticised the recent demolition of more than 300 stalls in Githurai.

The Kiambu Governor urged President William Ruto to intervene and facilitate dialogue with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

Speaking during a Church Service in Ruiru on Sunday, Wamatangi said the affected traders deserved engagement and consideration even as the government moves ahead with infrastructure development in the area.

“President, you need people; the project is for the people. I politely ask you to hold a meeting with KeNHA because they came to Githurai the other day and demolished over 300 stalls overnight,” the governor said.

He noted that while officials later indicated the move was meant to pave the way for construction works, the approach risked creating public dissatisfaction with an otherwise welcome project.

Wamatangi emphasized that residents support plans to develop a bus stage in Githurai but called for consultations and possible compensation to ensure affected traders are treated fairly.

“The following morning, they explained that the move was to allow them to construct something there, giving the wrong impression because for the project you do, you also have the pride that the people you have done it on their behalf are happy,” he added.

“Githurai needs a bus stage; we want it, we welcome it, and we say thank you. I respectfully say that as much as we need the project in the area, it does not cost KeNHA anything to sit with us, and we look for a solution for compensation so they can be at peace.”

Traffic along Thika Road was disrupted on Wednesday, February 18, after protests erupted in Githurai, where residents clashed with police over ongoing roadside market demolitions.

The confrontation occurred near the Githurai overpass, where demonstrators set tyres ablaze and blocked sections of the highway to protest the demolitions.

Police moved in to disperse the crowd, leading to running skirmishes between officers and protesters.

The unrest caused heavy traffic, with vehicles heading toward Nairobi’s central business district stuck for hours.

The demolitions are being carried out by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), which said the exercise aims to reclaim road reserves for planned infrastructure upgrades.

On February 10, KeNHA issued a seven-day notice to roadside traders operating along sections of the Thika Superhighway at Roysambu (both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi-bound direction) to remove their wares from the road reserve.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify all roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu (both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi direction) sections to clear their wares from the road reserve within seven (7) days of this notice,” the Authority said.

KeNHA noted that the planned bus bays will provide safe and orderly passenger pick-up and drop-off while improving traffic flow along the busy corridor.

“This is to pave the way for the construction of designated bus bays, aimed at ensuring safe and orderly passenger pick-up and drop-off, as well as reducing traffic congestion along the affected sections,” the notice read.

The Authority said the project forms part of broader road safety initiatives designed to reduce accidents and remove obstructions along major highways.