Muguka Traders Relocate to Ugweri After Siakago Evictions

In Summary

• Muguka traders from Meru evicted from Siakago, Embu County, after violent clashes with locals.
• Conflict linked to suspicions over rising motorcycle thefts.
• Two-day skirmishes left six people injured and property worth millions destroyed.
• Traders accuse authorities of failing to protect them during the violence.
• Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku led crisis talks to calm tensions.
• Traders now resettled at Ugweri Market, Runyenjes, with warm reception from the community.
• Locals and leaders hope new settlement will boost the area’s economy.

Muguka traders from Meru who were violently evicted from Siakago Town in Mbeere North Constituency have found a new home at Ugweri Market in Runyenjes Constituency, following clashes that displaced them three weeks ago.

The conflict, which erupted between the traders and members of the Mbeere community, was reportedly fueled by suspicions linking the Meru traders to rising motorcycle thefts in the area.

The skirmishes, which lasted two days, left six people injured and caused massive destruction of property, with traders counting losses running into millions of shillings.

Security concerns and government response

Traders accused security agencies of failing to intervene as their businesses were attacked.

“If the attack was not politically motivated, at least we could have gotten security reinforcement to safeguard our lives and property,” said trader Christopher Kiura.

Though several crisis meetings were convened by senior officials, including Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, victims claimed they received no compensation or immediate support as their families were displaced.

Resettlement in Ugweri

The displaced traders have since been welcomed to Ugweri Market, with Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba leading local efforts to integrate them.

“We appreciated the hospitality of the people here in Ugweri who have welcomed us and given us a place to carry out our trade,” said George Gitonga, one of the traders.

Since their relocation, business activity in Ugweri has picked up, with residents expressing optimism that the new settlement will stimulate the local economy.