Outcry as Thika Traders Accuse MCA of Collecting Millions for Non-Existent Stalls

Tension is mounting in Makongeni area of Thika, as a group of traders accuse Kamenu Ward MCA Peter Mburu of collecting millions of shillings from them under the promise of allocating business stalls at the newly constructed Makongeni Bus Park, promises they now claim were never fulfilled.

According to the affected residents, the alleged scheme dates back to 2024, when they were mobilised through a 12-member committee to contribute Ksh. 50,000 each in anticipation of being allocated stalls once construction was complete.

In total, 72 individuals contributed under that committee, with the MCA reportedly promising them access to 80 stalls. However, two years later, the traders say there are no signs of the promised allocations, leaving many in financial distress.

Speaking on behalf of the victims, Kennedy Ndaiga said the situation has pushed many into hardship, with some losing property and others drowning in debt.

“People sold their property, others borrowed from shylocks, and now they cannot repay. Some are even being auctioned. We are simply asking for our money back,” he said, appealing to Governor Kimani Wamatangi to intervene.

For Juliet Wanjiku Kariuki, the situation has become a personal crisis. She says she took a loan from a shylock to raise the required contribution and is now at risk of losing her belongings.

“I am being forced to sell my household goods just to repay the loan. We trusted the process because we were promised modern kiosks, but nothing has come. We want our money back,” she said.

Other traders claim the promises extended beyond the Makongeni Bus Park traders.

Lewis Kinyanjui, a small-scale businessman at Madaraka Market, alleges that the MCA had indicated that the planned project would include up to 900 modern stalls, with surplus spaces allocated to traders from surrounding markets.

“We were told there were 217 traders at the bus park and the rest of the stalls would be shared with others, including us in Madaraka market. We have tried all means to recover our money. We even have SMS messages from the MCA, but none of the promises have been fulfilled,” he said.

Kinyanjui added that the matter has already been reported to the police, with an Occurrence Book (OB) record filed at Makongeni Police Station as part of their efforts to seek justice.

Njuguna Maina, another trader from Makongeni, says they have substantial evidence to support their claims, including M-PESA transaction records, call logs and text messages.

“It has been over two years since we were promised these kiosks. As things stand, there is no indication they will ever be constructed. These were empty promises,” he said.

“If our money is not refunded, we will have no option but to go to court and sue both the MCA and the county government.”

The situation has also taken a toll on those who mobilised others to contribute. Margaret Nyokabi Njoroge, who brought in several participants, says she is now facing pressure from those she convinced to join.

“I mobilised 10 people to pay and they are now on my neck demanding their money. Where do I get Ksh. 500,000 to refund them? I have even gone into hiding because of the pressure,” she posed.

The affected traders are now calling on Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to step in and help recover their money, even as they consider legal action.