Ndeiya MCA Nelson Munga has asked the Kiambu County government to protect Makutano market from an alleged landgrabber.
This comes after area residents and traders protested over what they termed as plans, by the said private developer, to take over the market.
Speaking on Thursday at the market, Munga said the market is public property and traders should not be denied a chance to conduct their businesses there.
"We will not allow a selfish individual to come and disrupt the way of life of Makutano people because he has money. Many people depend on this market to make a living and we will defend it to the end," said Munga.
He noted that the market has been there for many decades and residents identify it as a public facility.
"This market was still there before independence. How can someone come and claim it is their property? We demand that there be a comprehensive audit by the County Lands Department and the National Lands Commission," added Munga.
Traders said they had been served with eviction notices but they have not been shown an alternative settlement where they can continue with their usual businesses.