On October 9, 2025, traders in Kagio town found themselves in a state of shock. In what appeared to be a bold move by Kirinyaga County, enforcement officers, business community leaders, and police descended on structures built along roads and drainage channels and demolished them including many vibandas whose owners had been asked to remove them but did not. The operation, reportedly joined by county officials and community stakeholders, was part of a campaign to safeguard the town from perennial flooding.
James Mutugi, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Environment, Energy, Natural Resources, Water and Irrigation, said that the illegal structures had been issued formal vacation notices yet many traders did not comply before the deadline. He argued that clogged drain systems are a principal cause of recurring floods in Kagio during the rainy season and insisted the exercise is a preventive measure, not a punitive one.
A Day Unlike Any Other
Demolition came during daylight hours, leaving the town buzzing with surprise and concern. Traders reported arriving at their stalls to find them dismantled or gone altogether. Many said they had received warnings to remove their vibandas themselves, but were unprepared for the sudden enforcement that followed. Those who did not comply saw their structures taken down and their kiosks confiscated by county officials.
The manpower and coordination behind the operation spoke of careful planning. The demolition did not discriminate by size; even small makeshift stalls and extensions along drainage curves were removed, leaving many small-scale traders stranded.
The Flood Prevention Argument
Mutugi defended the campaign as necessary for public interest. He asserted that these illegal stalls block stormwater flowlines causing water to overflow into neighboring premises during heavy rains. He reiterated that drains should carry only rainwater, not sewage or wastewater. A common violation in parts of Kagio, he said.
The operation also included excavation and clearance of drainage paths, restoration of natural waterways and efforts to sensitize the public on flood risk mitigation. Mutugi added that the demolition initiative would spread across all major towns in the county, not just Kagio.
Backlash from Displaced Traders
Among the traders, the reaction has been one of pain, frustration and uncertainty. Many lament that their structures, which they had invested, were torn down without giving them enough time to relocate their goods.
While county authorities claim they engaged Kagio’s business community and issued notices in advance, several traders say they were never reached or adequately informed. In tight margins, the sudden loss can spell disaster, loss of daily earnings, destroyed property and no clear avenue for recourse.
Night Vendors: At Risk of Future Sweeps
Though the October 9th operation did not initially target nighttime vendors, many in Kagio are already sounding alarms. Night traders, who often operate semi‑permanent stalls or mobile setups along road shoulders may find themselves next in line if the cleanup widens. Observers warn that without clear exclusion or protection for these late hour sellers, future demolitions could uproot more livelihoods.
Navigating the Tightrope: Order vs Livelihood
Kagio finds itself at a precarious balance. On one hand, restoration of drainage systems is critical to prevent infrastructural damage and public health risks during rainy periods. On the other, many traders depend entirely on vibandas for their survival. Without structured relocation, alternative sites or dialogue, the demolition push risks being seen not as reform, but as displacement.
What Lies Ahead for Kagio
In the days following the sweep, many traders are left in limbo. Some scramble to find new spots, others mull legal action. As the rains approach, the urgency to finish drainage clearance becomes tangible. But how the county walks this tightrope enforcing regulation while preserving livelihoods will shape Kagio’s public trust and business climate for years to come.
The voices of the displaced are no longer quiet whispers. They echo in town squares, social media threads and market alleys. Kagio’s rebuild may not just be about pathways and drains, it will be defined by how welcome its small traders feel in its future.