Matatu operators and small-scale traders at Thika town main stage are up in arms over planned evictions to pave the way for infrastructure development for the proposed smart city.
Traders held peaceful demonstrations in Thika town, saying the stage redesign by the Kiambu government points at a possible eviction.
John Turbo, the chairman of the stage traders, said traders and hawkers have been told they will have to move and some matatu stages are likely to be shifted.
They lamented of being harassed by the county askaris.
“Everything from the new designs, the harassment by askaris points at evictions. In fact, some of us have been told to move. We cannot allow this,” Turbo said.
The more than 5,000 traders, who have worked at the stage for decades, said this will affect their livelihoods and they will resist any attempts to evict them.
Fruit vendor Miriam Mugure, a fruit vendor urged the county government to hold public participation forums to address their fears.
“We hear that small traders will give way to mega investors though it's unclear whether we shall be given alternative spaces to continue with our trade. This should be made clear,” Muruge said.
The traders vowed to protest until the county government addresses their concerns.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi has maintained his intentions to have Thika elevated to the country's sixth city after Eldoret.
He has since put up a team of experts to come up with designs, cost implications and the expectations to clear the way for the smart city.
