Nairobi CBD Paralyzed as Muthurwa Traders Protest Looming Evictions
Chaos erupted in the bustling Muthurwa area of Nairobi on Thursday morning, leaving large parts of the city paralyzed as traders protested against an anticipated eviction from the popular market.
The early morning unrest, which saw roads leading to the Central Business District (CBD) cut off, turned into a standoff between traders and law enforcement officers.
The protests kicked off as early as 4 a.m., with irate traders flocking to the market after being reportedly alerted about a possible eviction.
Fearful of losing their livelihood, they decided to take matters into their own hands. “We came early to protect our stalls and businesses. We have nowhere else to go if we are evicted,” one trader was heard saying as the tension mounted.
Images and videos shared online by Kenyans.co.ke revealed the extent of the disruption. Several key roads, including Haile Sellasie Avenue, Temple Road, and parts of Landhies Road, were blocked as demonstrators used rocks and other debris to barricade access points. The situation also spilled over to Ronald Ngala Street, where traffic came to a standstill due to the chaos.
Authorities advised commuters plying the Jogoo Road route to seek alternative ways into the city. The Nairobi traffic command center sent out alerts urging drivers to exercise caution and avoid the affected areas. “We urge motorists to use alternative routes as the situation is being handled by the relevant authorities,” a traffic officer stated, trying to calm rising tensions among stranded commuters.
In a shocking turn of events, a fire broke out at a City Council building near St. Peter’s Church, further escalating the situation. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the structure as police responded by launching teargas canisters in an attempt to disperse the angry crowd.
Efforts to restore order were still ongoing at the time of reporting, with authorities working tirelessly to clear the roads and return normalcy to Nairobi’s CBD.
Despite the unrest, the question of the traders’ future in Muthurwa remains uncertain, leaving many on edge about the looming evictions.
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Nairobi CBD Paralyzed as Muthurwa Traders Protest Looming Evictions
