Protest Erupts on Thika Road as Githurai 45 Residents Resist Demolition of Business Stalls
Business Updated: 18 February 2026 22:00 EAT
Githurai 45 roundabout where business people staged protests over Kanjo demolition of vibanda market stalls
Protests broke out Wednesday along Thika Superhighway near the Githurai 45 roundabout as residents and traders staged demonstrations against the planned demolition of roadside stalls. The unrest, which started in the afternoon, brought traffic to a standstill and led to clashes with police.
Demonstrators lit burning tyres and blocked lanes, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. The flames and barricades caused major traffic delays along one of the busiest highways connecting Nairobi to neighboring towns.
The demonstrations followed a notice from the Kenya National Highways Authority requiring traders within the road reserve to vacate their stalls. Authorities said the move was intended to clear illegally occupied land and create space for bus bays and safety improvements.
Residents and traders argued the notice was abrupt and provided no clear plan for relocation. Many said they had operated their stalls at the roundabout for years and that losing the space would threaten their livelihoods.
Protesters also expressed frustration over the lack of consultation. They accused authorities of prioritizing infrastructure projects over the welfare of small-scale traders, while officials maintained the project aimed to improve road safety and traffic flow.
Tensions escalated into confrontations with police. Stones were reportedly thrown at officers, who fired warning shots into the air. While the clashes caused chaos, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries.
The protests disrupted daily commuting, with vehicles delayed for hours. Commuters scrambled for alternative routes as traffic queues extended for kilometres, particularly on the Nairobi-bound side of the Superhighway.
Local leaders and lawyers have challenged the eviction order in court, arguing it violated due process and constitutional rights by failing to provide adequate notice or resettlement plans.
Community leaders have pledged to continue resisting demolition until authorities engage with them and outline clear compensation or relocation plans. Traders insisted their rights be respected and their voices heard in the process.
The highways authority maintained that the eviction was necessary to protect national road reserves and improve infrastructure but acknowledged the need for dialogue to minimize disruption.
The situation remains tense, with law enforcement maintaining a presence in Githurai as authorities urge commuters to plan for delays and cooperate with traffic management teams while efforts continue to restore order.
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FELIX MAKONA
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