Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has voiced his opposition after the Nairobi County government issued a notice demanding a section of traders at Wakulima Market in Muthurwa vacate immediately.
In a statement on Thursday, September 12, Sifuna remarked that a notice implemented immediately does not align with the legal requirement for public engagement.
"A notice that takes effect immediately is not a notice! We must engage all our people in line with the law and not ignore consultation and process. I have spoken to the county officials responsible for the relocation of traders from Marikiti to comply with the necessary procedures," Sifuna stated.
In the notice dated September 10, acting Nairobi County secretary Godfrey Akumali ordered onions, pineapple, oranges and potato traders at Wakulima Market to relocate to Kangundo Road Market.
Akumali declared that the move was to ease congestion in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) for smooth flow of traffic.
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"This is to bring to your attention the Nairobi City County government's decision to decongest the Nairobi Central Business District for smooth vehicle traffic and human flow.
"It has been decided that all onions, pineapple, oranges 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. This notice takes effect immediately," read the notice by Akumali.
On Thursday morning, September 12, protests erupted at Wakulima Market as some traders demonstrated against the move.
Roads leading to Nairobi CBD were temporarily blocked with stones and bonfires before police were deployed to restore order.