In a pre-dawn operation, several businesses linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi along Douglas Wakihuri Road behind Nyayo Stadium were demolished. The exercise was conducted under heavy police presence.
Eyewitnesses said bulldozers moved swiftly, leaving little time for owners to salvage property. The businesses targeted included a car wash and carpet cleaning service reportedly operating along the congested road.
Vehicles parked within the premises were not spared. Some cars were crushed as authorities carried out the demolition, causing concern among nearby business operators about property safety.
Residents and traders in the area woke to the sound of heavy machinery. Many expressed shock at the sudden enforcement action, questioning whether prior notices had been issued.
A police spokesperson confirmed the operation but declined to give further details. Authorities cited the need to clear the area for a government-led infrastructure project linking the CBD to Nyayo and Talek regions.
“The area has been earmarked for a major transport development,” said the official. “Demolition was necessary to facilitate construction and ensure safety of the public.”
Social media users reacted swiftly to images of the destruction, some criticizing the heavy-handed approach. Others supported the move, citing the need for urban planning and orderly development in Nairobi.
Local business associations condemned the manner in which the demolition was carried out. They argued that many affected traders did not receive adequate notice or opportunity to relocate their operations.
“This has left business owners devastated,” said one trader whose shop was razed. “We were not given enough time to remove equipment or vehicles. The losses are significant.”
Experts on urban development say such operations are common in rapidly growing cities but stress the importance of proper notice and compensation. “Demolitions without prior engagement create unnecessary tension,” one urban planner noted.
The Douglas Wakihuri corridor has been a hub for informal businesses, often operating in congested spaces near major roads. The government plans to upgrade the area to improve traffic flow and link it to Nairobi’s growing transport network.
Political observers noted that demolitions of businesses linked to prominent politicians often spark debate. Some see it as a statement of enforcement equality, while others view it as politically motivated.
The Kiambu Governor’s office has not commented on the demolitions. Sources say officials are assessing the situation and may issue a statement regarding the losses incurred by the affected businesses.
City planners insist the development is part of a larger vision to modernize Nairobi’s transport infrastructure. They highlight that such projects often require clearing informal or unregulated structures.
Traders whose properties were destroyed have vowed to seek legal redress, arguing that the demolitions violated procedural requirements. Lawyers say affected parties may be entitled to compensation if proper processes were not followed.
As Nairobi continues to expand, clashes between informal businesses and urban development projects are expected to persist. Authorities face pressure to balance city growth with protection of small-scale entrepreneurs.
Residents in the area expressed frustration at repeated demolitions, calling for more transparent engagement between city authorities and business owners. Many fear future disruptions could impact livelihoods.
The government has assured that affected businesses will be considered in urban planning consultations moving forward. However, clear timelines and support mechanisms remain unclear, leaving traders anxious.
The Douglas Wakihuri Road redevelopment remains a key project in Nairobi’s infrastructure agenda. Officials say it will eventually improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance public safety along the corridor.
Meanwhile, the fate of other businesses along the road remains uncertain as authorities continue surveys to identify structures for demolition. Many await official notices before taking further action.
