High Court Halts Gikomba Demolitions, Orders Pause on Nairobi River Evictions

Traders around Gikomba Market have received temporary relief after the High Court ordered that the current situation remain unchanged. The decision stops any immediate demolitions along sections of the Nairobi River until the matter is fully heard. The case was filed on an urgent basis by affected property owners.

Lady Justice Lilian Kimani issued the interim directive after reviewing the application. She ruled, “The current status quo on the suit land be maintained.” The order means no structures should be removed while the legal process continues. The court also certified the matter as urgent.

The petition was brought forward through lawyer and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. The applicants argue that they were given a 14-day notice indicating that permanent residential and commercial buildings could be demolished. They say the notice threatens thousands of traders operating in Gikomba and surrounding neighbourhoods.

According to the petition, more than 3,000 members could be affected. The traders insist they are lawful occupants who followed all required procedures. They claim their properties are protected under the Constitution. They argue that removing them without proper process would violate their rights to dignity, housing and fair treatment.

The applicants further contend that authorities have not followed legal requirements under eviction laws. They say there was no meaningful consultation or clear resettlement plan. They also question the application of a fixed 30-metre riparian boundary, arguing that river boundaries should be determined using proper environmental data and not applied broadly without context.

In their court documents, the traders allege unequal treatment. They claim only certain sections along the river are being targeted, while other developments remain untouched. They argue this amounts to discrimination and unfair enforcement.

The court has directed that the matter be heard on March 10, 2026. Both sides must exchange responses within set timelines before the hearing. For now, the status quo remains in place as the legal battle continues.