Nairobi kumechemka: Chaos Erupts in Nairobi! Traders Clash with Police, CBD in Lockdown as Tensions Boil Over Relocation
Protests have paralyzed Nairobi's CBD as traders from Wakulima (Marikiti) Market clash with police over a sudden relocation to Kangundo Road Market. The Nairobi County government's move, intended to reduce congestion, has angered vendors and disrupted major roads. Demonstrations have led to roadblocks, bonfires, and confrontations, with tear gas used to control the crowds. The relocation, announced on September 10, 2024, has been met with resistance due to inconvenience and reported hostility at the new site. The situation remains tense as anti-riot police manage the unrest.
Protests erupted at Wakulima (Marikiti) Market in Nairobi’s CBD today following the Nairobi County government's decision to relocate traders to the newly established Kangundo Road Market. The county government’s aim was to ease congestion in the city center. However, the move has upset traders, particularly those selling onions, pineapples, oranges, and potatoes.
The protests began early in the morning, with traders obstructing key roads, including Haile Selassie Avenue and Jogoo Road. As the situation escalated, demonstrators set bonfires and engaged in confrontations with police, prompting law enforcement to use tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The unrest has severely affected traffic flow in and out of the city, with key routes such as Jogoo Road and Ladhies Road being blocked, making access to the CBD nearly impossible.
The county’s relocation notice, issued on September 10, 2024, called for the immediate transfer of traders, arguing that the new market would provide smoother traffic management and improved business conditions. Despite this, many traders are resistant to the move, claiming the new location is inconvenient and that some who have already relocated have faced hostility from the local community.
The situation remains volatile as anti-riot police continue to control the protests.
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