Gikomba traders whose stalls are marked for demolition have moved to court to challenge the move by the government.

The traders represented by city lawyer Danstan Omari said that the government has shown zero goodwill because the demolitions risk rendering many jobless.

"Once there's injunction the court stops but if there's no injunction the government takes its time," said Omari.

In an amended application, the traders say that they have approached the court for orders to cushion them from an imminent violation of their human rights.

"The plaintiff is on the verge of being evicted from their residential/business premises," reads court papers.

They have named the Nairobi County Government as respondent in the case.

On May 24, 2024, the government directed that structures built on riparian land should be demolished.

Some traders decried the authorities' lack of proper communication, saying the notice was issued by word of mouth.

“It is true some people had encroached and built residential houses near the river. But we should not pay for the mistakes of others,” another added.