Traders in Nairobi protested on Jogoo Road against demolitions at Uhuru Market, disrupting traffic. The protests escalated with fires on the highway, forcing motorists to detour. The National Police Service had yet to respond, and this incident follows previous legal actions by traders against eviction threats.
Transport along Nairobi’s Jogoo Road faced significant disruption on Tuesday morning as traders protested proposed demolitions at Uhuru Market. The demonstrators initiated their protests at Uhuru Market before advancing to the highway, voicing their frustrations publicly.
Frustrated traders urged one another, saying, “Let us go to Jogoo Road and block the way so that they can listen to us.” Their move to halt traffic disrupted matatus and other vehicles, leading to a substantial impact on transport operations.
Protesters set tires and rubbish ablaze on the highway, which rendered it impassable. This occurred near the intersection with Likoni Road, close to St Stephen’s Anglican Church of Kenya, causing significant traffic congestion in the area.
Motorists were compelled to seek alternative routes, either through Outering Road or feeder roads within nearby estates to navigate around the delays caused by the demonstrations. At the time of this report, the National Police Service had not provided an official statement, and no officers had been dispatched to manage the situation.
This incident marks a recurrent theme, as traders previously protested similar demolition plans at Uhuru Market. In 2021, the matter escalated to a court case, where a ruling temporarily halted the eviction process initiated by a private developer until an official hearing concluded.
In summary, the protests along Jogoo Road, driven by concerns over demolitions at Uhuru Market, caused significant transport disruptions. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between traders and authorities regarding market redevelopment plans. Historical context reveals that traders have previously sought judicial intervention to protect their livelihoods, indicating a longstanding battle with eviction threats.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
