Transport on Jogoo Road was disrupted on Tuesday morning due to protests from traders opposing demolitions at Uhuru Market. Protesters marched to the highway, causing significant congestion by lighting tyres ablaze. The National Police Service had not responded by the time of the report. Previous protests by traders had resulted in legal injunctions against similar evictions.
On Tuesday morning, transport on Jogoo Road in Nairobi was severely disrupted due to protests by traders opposing planned demolitions at Uhuru Market. The demonstrations began at Uhuru Market and escalated as protesters marched towards Jogoo Road, vocally expressing their frustration.
Protesters, primarily traders from the market, flooded onto the highway, chanting, “Let us go to Jogoo Road and block the way so that they can listen to us.” This movement led to significant congestion as they ignited tyres and litter, further paralyzing traffic for vehicles, particularly matatus that serve the area.
The demonstrations resulted in the erection of bonfires near the Likoni Road junction, close to St Stephen’s Anglican Church of Kenya. As a result, many motorists were compelled to seek alternative routes, either opting for Outering Road to access Nairobi’s central business district via Juja Road or navigating through feeder roads in nearby estates amidst mounting traffic jams.
At the time this report was compiled, the National Police Service had yet to respond or dispatch officers to disperse the gathering. This incident is not unprecedented; traders previously protested similar demolitions in 2021, which culminated in a legal battle.
The Milimani court provided a temporary injunction in 2021 that prohibited a private developer from evicting the traders until the court’s determinations were finalized. This ruling granted these traders a temporary respite against the demolitions, emphasizing the contentious nature of the redevelopment plans.
The protests on Jogoo Road reflect the ongoing tensions surrounding the planned demolitions at Uhuru Market. Traders have reiterated their opposition, drawing attention to their previous legal victories that temporarily halted evictions. The situation illustrates the urgent need for dialogue and resolution between the authorities and the affected traders to prevent further disruptions and community unrest.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
