Chaos Erupts in Nairobi CBD as Muthurwa Traders Protest Relocation
Nairobi’s Central Business District Erupts in Chaos Amid Muthurwa Traders’ Relocation Protest
By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER
In a fiery stand-off that erupted in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on September 12, 2024, traders from Marikiti and Muthurwa markets launched a protest against their planned relocation to Kangundo Road Market. The demonstration began in the early hours of the morning, around 3 a.m., in a bid to oppose a directive from the Nairobi County government targeting vendors selling potatoes, pineapples, oranges, and onions.
The traders took to the streets with force, blocking major roads including Haile Selassie Avenue and Jogoo Road, causing significant disruption to the early morning commute. In an aggressive show of defiance, they set tires ablaze, creating chaotic scenes that turned parts of the CBD into a no-go zone.
Nairobi police, responding swiftly, engaged the protesters in running battles, resorting to tear gas to try and break up the crowds. But the traders stood their ground, leading to tense standoffs that continued well into the morning, wreaking havoc on traffic flow and causing widespread delays for those trying to access the heart of the city.
The heart of the traders’ anger lies in the perceived lack of consultation over the relocation decision, which they argue was made without considering their concerns. Many of them feel blindsided and betrayed, sparking frustration that spilled onto the streets in today’s protests.
Reactions to the protests have been mixed. While some commuters expressed anger at the disruptions, others showed empathy for the traders’ plight, with many social media users weighing in on the broader issues of governance, public consultation, and the rights of Nairobi’s informal traders.
This latest episode highlights the simmering tensions between city officials and Nairobi’s vibrant community of traders, with the protests pointing to deeper issues surrounding urban planning, market management, and government engagement with its citizens.
