- Gakoromone traders oppose relocation to a site near sewage facilities
- Rights groups and residents raise health and environmental concerns
- Traders call for faster action on the delayed sewage relocation project
A section of leaders, activists, traders and residents have opposed Gakoromone market’s relocation, citing health and environmental risks.
The traders were moved near a sewerage facility to pave way for construction of a modern open air market by the national government at a cost of Ksh1.2 billion.
The old market was demolished at night after traders were given notice and time to relocate.
Led by the Centre for Rural Justice, the group condemned the Meru County Government over the relocation of Gakoromone traders to a temporary site near a sewage facility, saying the move exposes traders and their customers to health and environmental risks.
The group has also announced peaceful demonstrations to demand an end to the discharge of sewage into nearby rivers, amid concerns that the situation could worsen with the approaching rainy season.
Speaking during a press briefing, Centre for Rural Justice chairperson Mwenda Murerwa said residents, traders and other concerned groups would join the demonstrations to push authorities to address the sewage problem.
“We are calling on everyone to come out and demand that this sewage discharge is stopped so that it no longer flows into our rivers,” Murerwa said.
Murerwa said the organisation wants the discharge stopped immediately, arguing that residents have been waiting since May 2026 for the relevant authorities to address the problem.
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He said the approaching rainy season has increased the urgency of resolving the matter, citing concerns that increased water flow could carry pollution further downstream. He called for the planned transfer of sewage operations to Rwanyange to be expedited.
Murerwa said residents had previously been informed that sewage would be redirected to Rwanyange, and urged the agencies involved to fulfil the commitment before the rains intensify.
The organisation also criticised the circumstances surrounding the demolition of sections of Gakoromone Market, claiming some traders suffered losses before being directed to establish their businesses near the sewage facility.
Festus John Muriungi, a North Imenti resident, questioned the suitability of the temporary trading site, particularly for traders dealing in food and other products intended for human consumption.
“This is very wrong. I wonder whether they have any mercy on these people, from the demolitions carried out in the middle of the night and the destruction of their merchandise to now expecting them to sell next to the sewage,” Muriungi said.
Muriungi said the environment could hinder customers from purchasing food and other goods, potentially affecting the incomes of traders already dealing with the disruption caused by the relocation.
Having lived in Meru town for many years, he said he had not witnessed traders being placed in similar circumstances, questioning whether enough consideration had been given to the suitability of the temporary market.
“They are telling traders to sell their merchandise in the sewage area. If you were asked to buy food being sold in front of a toilet, would you do it?” Muriungi wondered.
Gakoromone Traders Secretary Edwin Mwenda also questioned why the sewage problem had persisted despite the Rwanyange sewerage project having been under development for several years.
Mwenda said traders had repeatedly been informed that the project was nearing completion, but sewage operations had yet to be relocated. He called on the relevant authorities to clarify what was delaying completion of the project.
He argued that the urgency demonstrated during the demolition of the market should also be applied to addressing the sewage problem and creating a safer environment for traders.
“The government hastened to demolish our market in the middle of the night. We now wonder why they cannot put the same effort into getting rid of this sewage,” Mwenda said.
Ultimately, Mwenda called on the county and national governments to expedite the planned relocation of sewage operations to Rwanyange, saying traders need a safe and suitable environment from which to conduct their businesses.
By John Majau
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