Police are engaged in running battles with traders in Nairobi’s industrial area after protests break out.
The dumpsite at English Place around the Industrial Area was closed on Thursday, which has sparked protests.
In videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, police are engaging a group of jua kali traders who are protesting the closure of an illegal dumping site along Likoni Road.
Videos show the road closed with police on one side and protesters on the other. Protestors can be seen hurling stones at police and officials from Nairobi County.
Protestors have lit a fire on the road, with police firing tear gas and gunshots in the air in an attempt to clear the area.
Images show youths clad in overalls, typically worn by jua kali workers, among those protesting.
The dumpsite that was closed by Nairobi County on Thursday has left many who depended on the area for their livelihoods up in arms.
“Here is where we get our daily living from,” said one protestor. “Many women work here as kiosk vendors,” she added amid screams and complaints from other traders.
According to her, police showed up on Friday and started breaking down their stalls and pushing them away.
“They did not give us notice. We told them to give us time to plan for ourselves. But they came today and began pushing us out,” she revealed.
However, according to the county's Chief Officer Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, a majority of those throwing stones are goons. He asserts that despite closing the dumpsite yesterday, some of those using the site ignored the orders and continued work as normal.
“Even if they throw stones or burn tyres we will close the dumpsite,” he said.
Adding, “ We will not allow some people to continue operating with impunity. Whatever it takes, all dumpsites that are against the law must be closed.”
