A violent clash erupted on Friday, May 17 between supporters of Thika Member of Parliament Alice Ng’ang’a and Kamenu Ward MCA Peter Mburu over the construction of the Kiganjo market.
The confrontation, which left several individuals injured and two feared dead, stemmed from a dispute over who deserved credit for the project.
The conflict began when MP Ng’ang’a, accompanied by other MPs including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, Gabriel Kagombe, Elijah Njoroge, and Ngoliba Ward MCA Joachim Njama, attempted to officially launch the market project.
However, they were met with resistance from MCA Mburu and his supporters, who had already laid claim to the construction site.
According to MP Ng’ang’a, the National Government had allocated Ksh.55 million for the development of the market, as promised by President William Ruto.
MP Alice Ng’ang’a Accuses the County Government
She accused the Kiambu County Government, led by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, of trying to hijack the initiative.
“It is deeply regrettable that, despite successful lobbying for Kiganjo Market and extensive public involvement, the residents of Kiganjo are being denied their rightful share due to poor leadership,” Ng’ang’a said in a statement.
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MCA Mburu, on the other hand, had a different perspective. “We have come to see our market and officially launch it so that every trader can be shown their allocated slots and start earning a living,” he told reporters.
“This is something I’m proud of, that I’ve brought a market to the people of my area.”
Chaos erupts
The confrontation quickly escalated into chaos, with stones being hurled and tear gas deployed by police officers to control the situation.
Amid the violence, an aide to MP Ng’ang’a was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a stone.
“Paying young people to throw stones, injuring several police officers, ACC, and other leaders, is extremely backward. The people of Kiambu deserve better,” Ng’ang’a said, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate the events.
“How long will Governor Wamatangi, through his associates, Kamenu MCA, and liaison officers, continue to undermine National Government projects?” Ng’ang’a questioned.
“I urge the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to act swiftly and investigate the events that occurred in Kiganjo this evening. It is time to prioritize the welfare of the people; incitement and political confrontations must become a thing of the past,” Ng’ang’a concluded.
Kimani Ichung’wa’s remarks
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, speaking at the launch of the Kiganjo market project, emphasized that the market projects within Kiambu County are fully funded by the National Government.
He said that this was aimed at providing traders a conducive environment to work in and improve the region’s economy.
Ichung’wa stated that President William Ruto had agreed with MP Alice Ng’ang’a and directed the construction of the two markets for the people of Kiganjo.
He addressed the Kiambu County Government, saying, “When he (the governor) hears that the market will be built by the National Government, he should know that it is not him whom the market is being built for, it’s for the mama mboga and traders who suffer under the scorching sun trying to earn a living.”
Ichung’wa Warns Against Competition
Ichung’wa further clarified that there is no competition between the National Government and the County Government.
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He advised the governor not to compete with President Ruto, emphasizing that if the President has said he will build markets in Kiganjo, Madaraka, and Ngoingwa, the governor should also go and build a market somewhere else to serve the people of Kiambu County.
“No one is trying to compete with him, he should not try to compete with William Ruto, if the president has said he will buld markets in Kiganjo, Madaraka and Ngoingwa he should also go and build a market someplace else.” said Ichung’wa
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