Traders at Muthurwa Market have issued an urgent appeal to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, demanding the immediate reassignment of the market administrator, Lillian Ouma, over what they describe as rampant corruption, intimidation, and abuse of office.
The traders accuse Ouma of running the market through fear and coercion, alleging that she routinely intimidates traders, issues threats, and uses high handed tactics to silence complaints. According to the traders, the situation has deteriorated to a point where normal operations at the market are no longer possible without alleged illegal payments.
At the centre of the allegations is an extortion scheme in which traders claim Ouma demands that market fees be paid directly to her in cash, instead of through official county revenue channels. Traders say those who refuse to comply face harassment, disruption of their businesses, or threats of eviction from the market.
The traders estimate that Ouma collects about Sh7,000 daily through these direct cash payments, money they say never reaches the county. They argue that these practices have led to significant revenue losses for Nairobi County, undermining the market’s ability to meet its collection targets.
The allegations extend beyond traders. Officers working under Ouma have also reportedly raised concerns, saying they are required to remit fixed amounts to her every evening. Failure to meet these demands, traders claim, attracts threats and disciplinary action.
According to the traders, Ouma allegedly tells both traders and junior officers that the money collected does not stop with her. They claim she insists that the funds are shared upwards, naming the County Secretary, the CECM in charge of markets, the chief officer, and even the governor’s office as beneficiaries. These claims have not been independently verified.
Traders say Ouma uses this narrative to justify the market’s inconsistent revenue performance, arguing that daily collections fluctuate because funds must be remitted to senior officials rather than recorded officially.
“This market is bleeding revenue because of corruption,” one trader said, adding that honest traders are being punished while illegal collections continue unchecked.
The traders are now calling on Governor Sakaja to order an immediate investigation into the allegations and to transfer Ouma without delay. They warn that unless decisive action is taken, Muthurwa Market will continue to underperform and remain a hub of alleged corruption.
They say the issue is no longer about personality clashes but about restoring order, transparency, and accountability at one of Nairobi’s most important markets.
County officials had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
