Chaos erupted on Thursday morning at Nairobi that saw a heavy contingent of police officers engaging in running battles with traders around Nairobi CBD
According to reports, traders of the Muthurwa market in Nairobi were alerted of a plan of eviction from the popular market that has served them for years by the government of Nairobi.
This forced traders to assemble at the market as early as 4AM on Thursday in a bid to protect their premises at the market. Police who got wind of the situation made their way to the market after traders torched tyres on major roads around the market.
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Prior to the police arrival, Several roads including Haile Sellasie Avenue, Temple Road and parts of Landhies Road and Ronald Ngala Street were already affected by the chaos, as protesters blocked roads with rocks.
In what traders term as a possible relocation of the market, fire was also reported in one of the City Council buildings near St Peter’s Church as police launched teargas canisters in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
According to a trader who sought anonymity, there was a circular that made rounds on social media on Wednesday alleging a decongestion plan by the Nairobi county government around Muthurwa and the neighbouring Marikiti market.
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In the circular that triggered today’s protests, Traders, particularly those who operate just outside the market, have reportedly been urged to move to Kangundo Road something that has been met with fierce resistance by all traders.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is yet to issue a statement over the matter as tension remain high at the markets that he plans to decongest.