Chaos erupted in Muthurwa, Nairobi early Thursday morning as traders engaged police in running battles in protest over anticipated eviction from the popular market.
Irate traders were reportedly alerted about a possible eviction and made their way to the market as early as 4am in an attempt to protect their premises.
Images and videos accessed by Kenyans.co.ke revealed the extent of the drama, as parts of roads leading to the Central Business District (CBD) were blocked by protesters.
Several roads including Haile Sellasie Avenue, Temple Road and parts of Landhies Road were affected by the chaos, as protesters blocked roads with rocks. Parts of Ronald Ngala Street were also affected.
Commuters plying the Jogoo Road route were urged to seek alternative routes as authorities attempt to restore normalcy.
A blaze 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.
One trader, who sought anonymity, told Kenyans.co.ke that the protests stemmed from their concern over a possible relocation to the Kangundo Road market.
He cited a circular which made rounds on social media on Wednesday alleging a decongestion plan by the Nairobi county government around Muthurwa and the neighbouring Marikiti market.
Traders, particularly those who operate just outside the market, have reportedly been urged to move to Kangundo Road.
By 7 am, traffic police officers had taken control of the situation redirecting traffic away from Haile Sellasie and Landies Roads.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has never shied away from talks about decongesting the city. He recently outlined an ambitious plan KSh 244 million to deliver 20 modern markets by 2027.
The markets include Mwariro Market, Westlands Market, Karandini Market, Gikomba Market, and the Kangundo Road Market.
