Nairobi County Government has been dealt a major blow after the Environment and Land Court issued new orders halting the planned demolition of Gikomba market.
The ruling delivered on Wednesday March 4, 2026, by Lady Justice Lilian Kimani, compels the county government to stop the planned exercise until a petition filed by Embakasi Member of Parliament Babu Owino challenging it is heard.
“The Court has considered the Notice of Motion dated 3rd March 2026 filed by the Petitioner under a Certificate of Urgency. Upon consideration, the Court is satisfied that the issues raised therein are urgent but are best determined upon hearing the parties inter partes,” Lady Justice Kimani ordered
Adding that, “Accordingly, the Court makes orders that the current status quo on the suit land be maintained.”
Through a statement posted on X, Babu Owino welcomed the court’s decision, noting that Gikomba Market provides employment and a source of livelihood to thousands of traders. He added that the county government ought to have considered the interests of residents and small-scale business owners before sanctioning the demolition exercise.
“Through our legal team, we moved to court to stop the demolition of Gikomba Market, and the Court has issued orders to stop the demolition,” Babu wrote on X.
“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. We must respect our people. We must protect livelihoods. We must uphold dignity,” he added.
The Embakasi East lawmaker further called on the Sakaja administration to comply with the court’s decision and allow due process to take its course to ensure that the traders’ rights are fully safeguarded.
“The rule of law exists to safeguard citizens, especially the vulnerable. 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. Development must never come at the cost of humanity. Our people matter. Their businesses matter. Their future matters,” he opined.
Property owners faced the risk of losing their investments following the government’s move to reclaim riparian land along the Nairobi River, a process that would pave the way for the demolition of structures within the corridor.
