By Felix Njenga
The Kiambu business community yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Kiambu town, demanding immediate government action on what they termed as unlawful taxation, harassment, and neglect of key county services.
Traders, escorted by police officers, marched to Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s offices to seek an audience with him. However, the governor was not in office, and only their petition was received. The traders then proceeded to the Kiambu County Assembly where they formally presented their grievances.
The protestors carried placards and chanted slogans, urging fellow traders who had opened shops to temporarily close their businesses and join the march. Their unified message called for a conducive business environment and respect for constitutional rights.
Receiving the petition, the chairpersons of the Assembly committees on trade and finance urged the traders to attend the upcoming public participation forum on the Kiambu County Finance Bill 2025/2026, scheduled for Thursday at the Kiambu Community Hall, to voice their concerns formally.
In their detailed petition, the Kiambu Business Community outlined several urgent demands:
Traders want all civil and criminal cases filed against them withdrawn immediately. They demand the unconditional return of goods seized by county enforcement officers.
Traders accuse county askaris of harassment, threats, and extortion. Business licenses should be affordable, lawful, and standardized across the county.
Every levy or fee collected should correspond to tangible county services. Drainage systems in Kiambu town should be repaired, maintained, and covered.
Doctors and health workers should be paid their dues promptly to resume service. Residents demand thorough sensitization before implementation of the 2025/2026 Finance Bill.
The traders anchored their petition on several provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, including Articles 3, 10, 43, and 47, citing violations of economic rights and fair administrative action.
They particularly contested the imposition of what they termed “unconstitutional levies,” arguing that counties can only lawfully impose property rates and entertainment taxes, unless otherwise authorized by Parliament.
Further, the petition called for the resignation of six senior county officials, including the municipal manager and enforcement officers, accusing them of abuse of power and persistent misconduct.
The business community also reminded the Assembly of a pending High Court case (HCCHRPET/E031/2025) touching on similar grievances, which they argued underscored the urgency of reforms in county governance and business regulation.
In response, the Assembly committee leaders promised to deliberate on the issues and emphasized the importance of engaging in structured public participation.
Meanwhile, the traders vowed to maintain pressure on the county government until their concerns are addressed, warning that continued neglect could cripple business activities and livelihoods across Kiambu.
Elizabeth Angira 
Mt Kenya Times