Running battles as Marikiti traders protests against relocation

By Peter Ochieng

Some parts of Nairobi became a no-go zone for the better part of Thursday morning, as Marikiti traders took to the streets against a relocation order.

The traders blocked some of the roads leading to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), lit tyres and engaged police in running battles as they protested against an order directing them to relocate to the Kagungo road market.

Jogoo and Haile Selassie roads were the most affected.

Nairobi acting County Secretary Godfrey Akumali in a notice dated September 10, 2024, directed potato, pineapple, orange and onion traders in and around Wakulima (Marikiti) market to move to the newly opened Kangundo road market.

“It has been decided that all onion, pineapple, orange and potato traders operating outside and inside the market relocate to Kangundo road market where there is spacious trading space and ample parking for business,” the notice reads in part.

The notice is copied to Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja, his deputy, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for business and hustler opportunities, and the Chief Officer, markets and trade in Nairobi.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino in a statement on social media defended the traders. “The Nairobi County government should respect Marikiti traders. The traders were relocated to Kangundo where they were attacked by the locals and it’s a security threat to insist on them going back there,” he wrote.

“Nairobians have no jobs and any business they partake in to pay rent, school fees and buy food should be respected. Watu wa Marikiti msikubali (people of Marikiti do not relocate), they want to grab that land,” he claimed.

Some Kenyans are in support of the relocation order, while others are against the move.

“The Constitution requires that citizens be involved fully in matters and decisions that impact on their livelihoods, economic rights and welfare. Sad that governments at all levels are disenfranchising ordinary people who are already under economic pressure,” said Collins Wanderi.

“I fully support our Marikiti Traders but a City Must have order and dignity and Hawking should not be every part...We have designated Markets where buyers can buy goods. We can't have walkways where watermelon vendors are blocking pedestrians,” said John Boog.

The traders reportedly took to the streets as early as 3am.