Transport along Nairobi’s bustling Jogoo Road came to a standstill as traders from Uhuru Market took to the streets in a fiery protest against the planned demolition of their stalls.
The demonstrations, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, March 18, saw enraged traders block a section of the highway and light bonfires, demanding answers from authorities.
Traders, many of whom have operated in the market for years, expressed outrage over what they describe as a lack of prior notice and consultation regarding the demolition.
Videos and images captured thick plumes of smoke rising from burning tires and debris near the Likoni Road junction.
“We are not against development, but they cannot just come and destroy our livelihoods without warning. We deserve respect and a chance to plan for our families," one of the traders expressed.
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The demolition threat is the latest chapter in a long-standing dispute over the land on which Uhuru Market sits.
In 2021, traders won a temporary reprieve when Milimani Court halted an eviction attempt by a private developer, ordering that no action be taken until legal proceedings were concluded.
At the time, traders at the market faced eviction and demolition of their stalls by a private developer who claimed ownership of the land.
The demolitions carried out at night, affected over 400 traders and led to significant losses.
In response, the traders sought legal intervention. The High Court issued an order halting the evictions and preventing the developer from taking possession of the market land.
Local leaders, including Makadara MP George Aladwa and Maringo-Hamza Ward Representative Mark Ndung'u, supported the traders.
They questioned the legitimacy of the land acquisition and criticized the manner in which the demolitions were conducted.
"We've served the Makadara deputy county commissioner with the court order. We will now fight to ensure the containers are removed. The developer must leave the Uhuru market," Aladwa said at the time.
