
Thika was thrown into complete turmoil on Sunday morning as a violent showdown erupted between hired goons and Kiambu County officials over the control of a newly constructed market.
Reports indicate that the attackers were not local residents but had been brought in from outside to unleash havoc at the controversial Ngoliba Trading Centre. Their mission? To forcefully back a defiant contractor who was determined to ignore a court ruling regarding the legality of the market’s construction.
With tensions already high, the heavily outnumbered security officers stationed at the market found themselves under a brutal assault. Stones flew through the air as the mob launched a relentless attack, forcing the officers to flee for their lives.
BLOODSHED & INJURIES
Several officers suffered serious head injuries from the relentless assault. However, in the midst of the chaos, one of the attackers was captured and forced to confess his involvement.

“We were told to protect the market during its construction,” the detained attacker admitted, hinting at a larger orchestrated plan behind the violence.
A MARKET BUILT ON CONTROVERSY
The Ngoliba Market has been mired in endless disputes since its construction was launched in 2024 by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a. The power struggle over its control has fueled tension between the MP and the county government, with neither side willing to back down.
Last week, the market’s grand opening saw over 50 heavily armed officers deployed, reportedly to block traders and county officials from accessing the site.
To further stoke political fires, Ng’ang’a’s supporters arrived at the launch in branded attire, sending an unmistakable message to her political rivals.
Despite the ongoing power struggles and violent confrontations, MP Ng’ang’a has vowed to push forward with development projects in her constituency, which includes Gatuanyaga, Kiganjo, Maguguni, and Landless.
“Let no one panic—development will continue,” Ng’ang’a defiantly declared during the launch of the KSh50 million project, accusing her political adversaries of trying to sabotage her progress out of fear of her success.
With political tensions boiling over and violence breaking out, one thing is clear—the battle for Ngoliba Market is far from over!