High Court halts Muthurwa Market demolitions

Muthurwa Market traders just secured a High Court freeze blocking all evictions and demolitions until their case gets a proper hearing.

Court issues status-quo order

• Full hearing is set for March 10, 2026.
• Traders only had a 14-day eviction notice before demolition.
• Over 3,000 community members face potential displacement.
• Lawyer and MP Babu Owino represents the petitioners.

Neighborhoods caught in the crossfire

• Blue Estate and Bahati Annex are both affected.
• Kamukunji and the Gikomba markets face the same threat.
• Permanent multi-story homes and businesses risk destruction.
• Traders allege selective enforcement targeting lower-income residents.

Legal arguments the traders are pushing

• Constitutional rights under Articles 28, 40, 43, and 47 are invoked.
• Land Act eviction rules were allegedly ignored entirely.
• No alternative housing or proper consultation was offered.
• The rigid 30-meter riparian limit lacks hydrological backing.