KISUMU, Kenya, June 29, 2026 – Business came to a standstill at Kibuye Market in Kisumu on Monday after hundreds of traders staged protests over alleged harassment, intimidation and illegal market levies, leading to running battles with police along the Kondele–Patel’s Flat Road.

The demonstrations highlighted the deepening leadership wrangles at Kibuye Market, one of the largest open-air markets in western Kenya and a major trading hub serving thousands of traders and customers daily.

The protesters accused Kibuye Market Chairperson Judith Adhiambo Matengo, popularly known as Nyaramba, of allegedly harassing traders, imposing unlawful market charges, intimidating business owners and using market politics to target those who do not support her leadership.

The traders also alleged that officers from Kondele Police Station had repeatedly been used to settle internal market disputes through arbitrary arrests instead of maintaining law and order. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Nine Traders Arrested and Released on Bail

Monday’s protests were sparked by the arrest of nine traders—six men and two women—who were later arraigned before the Winam Law Courts.

According to fellow traders, the group had chosen to remain neutral in the ongoing market leadership disputes and focus on running their businesses before allegedly becoming targets of intimidation.

The court released all nine traders on a cash bail of KSh10,000 each.

Outside the court, dozens of traders condemned what they described as the criminalisation of legitimate business activities.

“We are not criminals. Our only crime is refusing to be dragged into market politics. We only want to trade peacefully and provide for our families,” said one trader.

Another trader accused the market leadership of creating fear among genuine business owners.

“Kibuye Market belongs to all of us. No individual should turn this market into a personal kingdom where traders are intimidated, arrested and silenced for expressing different views.”

Traders Demand Kisumu County Government Intervention

The traders vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until the alleged harassment and intimidation end.

They appealed to the Kisumu County Government to urgently intervene before the situation escalates further.

“We respect the law, but we shall not remain silent as our livelihoods are destroyed. We want the County Government to intervene before the situation gets out of hand,” another trader said.

The demonstrators also called for investigations into the conduct of the Kondele Officer Commanding Station (OCS), alleging that police officers have increasingly become involved in internal market leadership disputes.

Long-Running Leadership Crisis at Kibuye Market

Monday’s unrest is the latest development in a long-standing leadership crisis that has repeatedly disrupted business at Kibuye Market.

For years, traders have raised concerns over market governance, allocation of trading spaces, revenue collection, leadership disputes and alleged cartel influence. The disagreements have frequently ended up in the streets, police stations and courts, affecting business confidence and disrupting livelihoods.

As one of the busiest markets in western Kenya, Kibuye Market plays a critical role in Kisumu’s economy. Every disruption drives away customers, reduces sales and affects thousands of families that depend on daily trade.

While the allegations raised by protesters warrant impartial investigations, all parties should be accorded due process, and security agencies are expected to remain professional, impartial and accountable in handling market disputes.

The traders urged the Kisumu County Government to convene an urgent dialogue involving market leaders, security agencies and traders’ representatives to restore peace.

“Our appeal is simple: let Kibuye be known for business, not chaos. We need harmony, tolerance and teamwork so customers can return with confidence. Peace is the greatest investment this market can make.”

As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders face mounting pressure to restore trust and stability before the ongoing leadership dispute causes further damage to one of Kisumu’s most important economic centres.