There was tension in Umoja 2 Estate this morning as residents, most of them traders from the local market, took to the streets to protest what they say is an attempt by a foreign developer to grab their community market land.
The protesters were chanting and waving placards as they lit bonfires along feeder roads leading to Kangundo Road, causing a temporary disruption of transport as they demanded answers and protection from county leaders.
Traders say the disputed piece of land has been public land and under the custody of the Nairobi County government for years. It has served for years as a critical market space and means of earning day-to-day income for hundreds of families.
“We are lamenting because we have been denied our rights as residents of Umoja 2. We are trying to protect our market from a foreigner who wants to take what belongs to the community,” said one of the traders who joined the demonstration.
Another protester questioned how a private developer could claim a space many residents consider the heartbeat of their estate.
“This is a community market; who dares to take land that belongs to the people?” she asked.
The residents accused the developer of making repeated attempts to take over the land, yet the matter is still before the court. They called on the judiciary to issue a ruling quickly, saying the continued delay has only emboldened the alleged land grabber.
They also appealed to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Senator Edwin Sifuna to intervene and help safeguard the land before their livelihoods are threatened. Traders say over 300 shops, stalls and stores stand to be lost if the court eventually rules in favour of the developer.
“This is our land, and the court is yet to give its ruling. We are urging the judiciary to act quickly so that we can settle this stalemate,” another trader said. Despite the hours-long protest, police were never deployed to the area. Many shops remained closed as residents marched, feet dusty, placards raised in a determined bid to save the only marketplace they have known for decades.
