Chaos erupted in Moi's Bridge town, Uasin Gishu County, on Monday, June 23, as market traders confronted officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
Reportedly, the government officials were attempting to demolish some structures constructed against the authority's regulations when the traders challenged them.
The said buildings were reportedly set by the roadside and had begun encroaching on the highway reserve, leading KeNHA to take this step.
These skirmishes forced police to intervene and restore order as the traders engaged the KeNHA officials in running battles, burning bonfires in the process.
Images seen by Kenyans.co.ke show the aftermath of the attack, with civilians seen scattering across the township and smoke billowing from bonfires lit on the road.
Affected business owners demanded compensation and proper relocation plans for the planned demolitions.
This comes days after the authority carried out another crackdown in Busia county over illegal fines being enforced on long-distance drivers in the county.
The crackdown followed the county government's decision to erect an illegal sign outside the governor's office, forcing motorists to pay fake fines of Ksh20,000.
In a notice dated June 13, KeNHA asserted that the sign had been put up without approval from the National Roads Authority.
“We visited the site and observed that the sign was installed on the frontage of the Governor’s premises, presumably to restrict its usage by vehicles or traders.
“We note that no approval has been issued to the County Government of Busia for the installation of the sign,” the notice reads.
The county was thus ordered to immediately remove the signage and directed to follow the proper legal process if it wishes to make any changes in the future.
