Activities on Nairobi’s Argwings Kodhek Road disrupted as traders stage protests
By Valerian Khakayi, August 25, 2026Activities along Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, were disrupted on Tuesday evening, August 25, 2026, after Nairobi City County officers demolished temporary structures and roadside shops around Chaka Place.
The demolition exercise sparked protests from traders and other people affected by the operation, with tensions rising along the busy road.
Videos seen by K24 Digital show a large number of county officers at the scene as they pulled down the temporary structures. Some of the officers are seen using their hands, while others used tools, including machetes and heavy metal objects, to bring down the shops.
The footage also shows several arrests being made during the operation. Those arrested were seen being placed inside a county truck as the demolition exercise continued.
As the situation escalated, angry traders moved onto the road and barricaded sections of Argwings Kodhek Road using burning tyres and metal structures.
The barricades disrupted the movement of vehicles and motorcycles travelling between the Nairobi Central Business District and Kilimani, with motorists unable to pass through the affected section.
Several cars and motorcycles were seen stranded on either side of the road as the disruption caused traffic to build up.
Some motorists were forced to turn back and look for alternative routes to avoid the section where traders had blocked the road.
The protests came as traders reacted to the demolition of their temporary businesses, with the operation affecting shops located along the busy route.
Police officers were also deployed to the area as the situation became tense.
Videos from the scene showed police vehicles at the location as officers attempted to contain the protests and prevent the situation from escalating further.
The security officers were seen engaging with traders and other people gathered at the scene as they worked to restore calm and movement along the road.
It is worth noting that the latest incident comes amid ongoing efforts by Nairobi City County authorities to clear temporary structures and address congestion and activities along major roads in the city.
The disruption affected both motorists and pedestrians using Argwings Kodhek Road, one of the key routes connecting parts of Kilimani to Nairobi’s CBD.
The demolition exercise and subsequent protests are expected to cause further delays for motorists using Argwings Kodhek Road as authorities work to restore normal traffic flow.