Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has thrown his weight behind Marikiti traders in Nairobi County who are currently striking in protest against relocation by the county government from Wakulima to the newly built Kang’undo market.
In a statement published on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Babu Owino expressed his solidarity with the traders where he condemned the County government’s action.
The MP said that the Marikiti traders were attacked by the locals when they relocated to Kang’undo adding that insisting on them going back will endanger their lives.
Additionally, Babu Owino urged Governor Sakaja to respect the traders.
“Nairobi County Government should respect Marikiti traders. The traders were relocated to Kang’undo where they were attacked by the locals and it’s a sécurity thréat to insist on them going back there, “Babu Owino said.
The vocal lawmaker further stated that residents of Nairobi have no jobs and any business or hustle they partake in to make ends meet should be respected. He further called for the traders to remain firm.
“Nairobians have no jobs and any business they partake to pay rent, school fees and buy food should be respected.Watu wa marikiti msikubali they want to grab that land.Haiwork,” he added.
Notice to vacate
In the official letter shared by Babu Owino dated September 10, 2024, the Nairobi county management issued a vacation notice to all small-scale traders operating inside and outside the Wakulima market popularly known as Marikiti to relocate to Kangu’ndo road market with immediate effect.
According to the notice, the management attributed the relocation to decongesting the Nairobi central business district for smooth vehicle traffic and human flow.
“Public notice messages, it has been decided that all onion, 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, “part of the relocation notice reads.
“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. Kindly comply with the notice.”
Protest
Following the eviction notice, irate traders made their way to the market today as early as 3 am in an attempt to protect their premises.
The protesters blocked parts of roads leading to the Central Business District (CBD) as they engaged the police in running battles.
