Traders Protest Planned Demolition of Uhuru Market, Halting Traffic on Jogoo Road

Traders in Nairobi protested against the planned demolition of Uhuru Market, leading to severe traffic congestion on Jogoo Road. Despite previous court actions blocking a developer’s claim to the land, there has been no official confirmation regarding the demolition, causing unrest among the traders.

Traffic congestion erupted along Nairobi’s Jogoo Road on March 18, as traders protested against the impending demolition of Uhuru Market. The traders expressed their frustrations by igniting tires at the Likoni Road junction, effectively obstructing access to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). This disruption forced motorists to look for alternative routes, leading to significant traffic delays in the area.

Uhuru Market has been under the threat of demolition for some time, primarily due to ongoing disputes with private developers who assert claims of ownership over the land. Notably, in 2021, a Nairobi court issued a temporary injunction preventing a private developer from seizing control of the market area amidst ongoing ownership controversies.

Despite the ongoing protests and mounting concerns from traders, there has been no official confirmation from the government regarding the planned demolition. This lack of communication adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Uhuru Market and its traders.

The protests over the potential demolition of Uhuru Market have created significant traffic disruptions along Jogoo Road, highlighting the traders’ grievances about ownership disputes. The court’s previous injunction against a private developer brings attention to the ongoing conflict over the land. However, the absence of a formal government statement regarding the demolition leaves the situation in a state of uncertainty for the traders.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke