Kibuye Market, one of East Africa’s largest and most economically vital markets, has descended into chaos amid fierce battles over the control of toilets and security revenue, just days before leadership elections scheduled for April 23.
Traders and market leaders are calling on Kisumu County Governor, Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, to intervene and restore order as tensions escalate. The market, traditionally a bustling hub for fresh produce, spices, clothing, and crafts, has turned into a battlefield, leaving traders terrified and its reputation severely tarnished.
Violence erupted on Tuesday, April 15, during a public participation meeting at Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre in Kisumu. A section of traders perceived the forum as a covert move to oust the current Kibuye market leadership, further inflaming tempers.
Speaking to The Kenyan Tabloid, Kibuye Market Chairperson Judith Adhiambo Matengo, better known as Nyaramba, outlined three key issues plaguing the market: alleged sabotage by Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, political interference from the area MCA Caren Ajwang, and persistent cartel influence. She accused Wanga of waging a personal war against her for refusing to offer financial and material support, while asserting that she had dismantled the cartels upon her election.
“When I took over, garbage collection, water supply, and electricity were functional. Traders were thriving. Now, the chaos revolves around the toilets,” Nyaramba said. She disclosed that while toilets were initially managed by the county, poor maintenance and overwhelming stench forced the market leadership to assume control, including paying bills and even funding projects associated with the City Manager’s office.
In a dramatic revelation, Nyaramba claimed she urinated on herself during the chaotic public meeting due to being denied access to toilets, citing pressure-related health issues. She further accused Wanga of using intimidation tactics and vowed to resist what she termed as his orchestrated campaign to remove her from office.
“Abala Wanga has vowed to remove me through thick and thin because I refused to support his underhand dealings, including the installation of unauthorized container stalls,” she alleged.
However, Charles Ooko, a trader and Kibuye market executive, dismissed Nyaramba’s claims as baseless. He accused her of poor leadership, exclusionary practices, and mismanagement, blaming her for the breakdown of essential services.
“We left her to work alone because of her arrogance. Meetings were held without involving key stakeholders. Water and electricity were cut off due to unpaid bills. She even chased away contractors hired to dig boreholes,” Ooko said.
He added that security at the market has deteriorated under Nyaramba’s leadership, accusing her of hiring youths who now extort KSh10 from each trader daily, an amount totaling approximately KSh50,000 per day.
Ooko called on Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to intervene directly and halt the misappropriation of market funds, warning that elections alone will not solve Kibuye’s deep-rooted issues.
“The county must step in with clear policies to manage the market. Elections won’t end the chaos if the underlying corruption and mismanagement continue,” he said.
As the Kibuye leadership elections loom, it is evident that self-interest, politics, and vendettas—not genuine service to traders—are fueling the unrest. The future of one of East Africa’s most important markets now hangs in the balance, waiting for decisive action from Kisumu’s top leadership.
