[PHOTOS] Gikomba traders stranded after stalls earmarked for demolition

It was not business as usual at a section of Gikomba Market on Friday due to fear of being vacated and stalls demolished.

Business remained closed at a section of Gikomba Market that was marked demolition.

The area in riparian land is scheduled for demolition after the government's directive.

The government directed those residing in the riparian lands to vacate.

Traders pleaded with the government not to implement the 30-metre rules as many people would be rendered jobless.

There were empty stalls at Gikomba Market with few consumers trickling in.

Sacks of goods were seen placed at the stalls as traders feared opening their businesses.

A trader at Gikomba Ann Mwangi has worked at Gikomba for the better part of her life.

She said that most traders in Gikomba have loans and they need to repay them through their business.

"Closing businesses is a huge loss to us and the government. How will we be able to repay the loans we have?" she asked.

Trader Bakari Muhammed said since the area was earmarked for demolition, traders have been suffering.

"The government should go for the houses which are built near the river in other places. They should not look at Gikomba stalls only," he added.