Babu Owino Moves to Court, Halts Planned Demolition of Gikomba Marke
By Jeff Kizzilah
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has successfully moved to court to stop the planned demolition of Gikomba Market, securing temporary orders that halt the exercise and protect thousands of traders who depend on the market for their livelihoods.
Through his legal team, the MP filed an urgent case seeking to block the demolition, arguing that the move would severely affect small-scale traders and families who rely on the busy marketplace for daily income. The court has since issued orders stopping the demolition pending further directions.
Speaking after the ruling, Owino emphasized that Gikomba is more than just a trading center, describing it as a lifeline for thousands of hardworking Kenyans.
“Gikomba is not just a marketplace. It is the heartbeat of thousands of families, small traders, and hardworking Kenyans who depend on it every single day,” he said.
The legislator stressed that development initiatives should not come at the expense of vulnerable citizens, urging authorities to respect the court’s orders and allow the legal process to proceed without interference.
He further noted that the rule of law exists to safeguard citizens, particularly those whose livelihoods are most at risk.
“As we comply fully with the Court’s directions, we call on all parties to respect the orders issued and allow due process to take its course,” he added.
The intervention has brought temporary relief to traders at Gikomba Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Nairobi, where thousands of small-scale entrepreneurs operate daily.
Owino reiterated that protecting livelihoods must remain a priority, saying the future of traders and their families must be considered in any development plans affecting the market.
