Protests erupted in Ngara, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 8, after over 600 traders took to the streets to protest the demolition of their shops by unknown people.
The demonstrations ensued after a group of young men began demolishing shops and kiosks located at Fig Tree market to pave the way for the construction of modern housing units.
Reports indicate that the market space had initially been leased to the traders for a specific duration; however, upon the expiry of the deal, the traders declined to leave the area.
Attempts by the said private developers to address the stalemate amicably proved futile as the traders continued to conduct business on the private land, prompting action by the owners.
Sources privy to the information disclosed that the piece of land had been earmarked for modern housing units, with the construction expected to commence once the demolitions are complete.
Ngara Market has faced repeated demolition threats, largely driven by the frequent disputes between the private landowners and the traders over the control of the land.
According to the traders, their businesses were reportedly destroyed at night by groups of young men allegedly escorted by armed police officers.
During the fracas, the agitated locals barricaded and lit a bonfire along the Limuru Road, disrupting transport along the route, which connects Nairobi to Kiambu County.
Footage of the scenes obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the angry traders engaging in a running battle with heavily armed police officers deployed to man the demolition process.
While protesting, the traders accused Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration of reportedly failing to intervene over the contested piece of land, which has hosted the market for several years.
Despite calls for the county government's intervention, Governor Sakaja's office has yet to issue a formal clarification on the matter, which has since attracted public attention.
Such incidents have been witnessed across several markets located within Nairobi County. Just five months ago, traders blocked Jogoo Road to protest the planned demolition of Uhuru Market.
The incident, which took place in March this year, saw the traders set ablaze tyres along the Likoni Road Junction, blocking access to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
