On Tuesday, transport was disrupted on Nairobi’s Jogoo Road due to protests by traders against demolitions at Uhuru Market. They marched from the market to the highway, blocking lanes and creating bonfires, prompting motorists to seek alternative routes. This follows previous protests and legal actions taken by traders against planned demolitions.
Nairobi’s bustling Jogoo Road experienced significant transportation disruptions on Tuesday morning as agitated traders protested planned demolitions at Uhuru Market. The demonstrations commenced at Uhuru Market and progressed towards Jogoo Road, with protestors voicing their demands for attention. They stated, “Let us go to Jogoo Road and block the way so that they can listen to us.”
Images shared depicted a large turnout of protesters, primarily traders from the market, converging on the highway. In their demonstration, they ignited tyres and debris, effectively bringing traffic to a standstill and preventing matatus from accessing the route. The bonfires were lit near the intersection with Likoni Road, in proximity to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church of Kenya.
As a result, motorists were compelled to find alternative routes, opting for Outering Road or various feeder roads to navigate towards Nairobi’s central business district. Consequently, this led to severe traffic congestion in neighboring areas. At the time of this report, the National Police Service had not issued an official statement, nor had officers been dispatched to manage the situation.
This incident is not unprecedented; trading groups have previously protested the demolition plans at Uhuru Market. In 2021, traders sought legal recourse to challenge the planned evictions, securing a temporary court order that prohibited the private developer from proceeding with evictions until the matter was resolved in court. The ruling allowed traders to remain on the premises until their legal issues were duly addressed.
The protests on Jogoo Road reflect ongoing tensions surrounding the planned demolitions at Uhuru Market, highlighting the traders’ frustrations over their livelihoods. The situation escalated into severe transportation disruptions, emphasizing the urgency for authorities to address the grievances of the traders. The traders have a history of legal challenges against such evictions, indicating their determination to protect their rights and interests.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
