The Milimani Magistrates’ Court on Thursday dismissed with costs an urgent application filed by Kangemi market vendors seeking the release of stalls and merchandise they claimed were unlawfully seized by city authorities.
The applicants, led by Wycliff Nyamu and represented by area MCA Hon. Hamisi Suleiman Maleya, had accused prominent Kangemi businesswoman Rose Wanja of orchestrating the destruction and confiscation of their trading structures on November 23, 2025.
They further alleged that the items were taken to Kangemi Police Station and sought orders compelling their immediate release while restraining Wanja from interfering with their businesses.
In a brief ruling, the court found that the hawkers failed to adduce sufficient evidence linking Wanja to the alleged seizure or detention of their property. The bench also noted that crucial material facts were not properly placed before it, rendering the application defective and unsustainable within the court’s jurisdiction.
Consequently, the entire suit was thrown out, with costs awarded against the applicants. Reacting to the verdict outside the court corridors, Rose Wanja welcomed the decision as a triumph for justice and the rule of law, describing the allegations against her as malicious propaganda designed to tarnish her reputation.
In a fiery statement, Wanja questioned the hawkers’ claim to public infrastructure: “Since when did public walkways become someone’s inheritance? Since when did bus stops start carrying people’s father’s title deeds?” she asked.
“You dragged me to court to ‘defend’ government land and walked out paying costs. You cannot own a road, you cannot own a walkway, you cannot privatize a bus stop, and you absolutely cannot bully the people of Kangemi. Public land belongs to the people, not to cartels or political bullies.”
The case had attracted significant public interest amid ongoing tensions over the use of public spaces in the densely populated Kangemi area.
The dismissal reinforces the county government’s stance against encroachment on roads, walkways, and bus stops by informal traders.