Eviction Halted! Wakulima Market Traders Block Relocation Amid Ongoing Protests in Nairobi

• Sep 13, 2024

Traders at Nairobi’s Wakulima Market successfully halted their planned eviction by the city authorities. On September 12, 2024, the market came to a standstill as protests erupted over the proposed relocation.

Wakulima Market, also known as Marikiti, is located in the Nairobi Central Business District. On September 10, 2024, Nairobi City County issued a notice demanding that traders move to the New Wakulima Market on Kangundo Road within seven days. This ultimatum led to widespread unrest among the vendors.

Judge Bahati Mwamuye of the Milimani High Court intervened on Friday, stopping the eviction order. She ruled that the county could not evict the traders or disrupt their business at the current market until the dispute is resolved. "Pending inter partes hearing and determination of this application, an order is hereby issued restraining the county from evicting the traders operating within or in the vicinity of Wakulima Market, Nairobi, or interfering with their business operations in those areas," Judge Mwamuye stated.

The court's decision was influenced by a lawsuit from the Wakulima Market Traders Association. The traders argued that the relocation notice was issued without proper consultation or explanation from the county. They believe this lack of communication violates their rights. "The lack of reason given to the petitioners amounts to an infringement of the petitioners' rights," the traders told the court.

On Thursday morning, the traders protested the relocation, causing traffic disruptions in the area. The situation escalated to the point where police had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Many traders expressed frustration, stating that the sudden move was inconvenient and unfair. Additionally, some claimed that the new market on Kangundo Road was already full and that they had not been allocated spaces there.

Following the judge’s ruling, both the traders and the county are scheduled to meet next Tuesday to discuss the matter further. The case is set to be reviewed again on September 30 for additional instructions.

The outcome of this legal battle is crucial for the future of Wakulima Market. As one of Nairobi’s largest and busiest markets, its continued operation is vital for many livelihoods. The traders hope that through dialogue and legal processes, a fair solution can be reached that respects their rights and sustains their businesses.

The situation remains tense as both sides await the next steps in the court proceedings. Meanwhile, the traders continue to resist the relocation, emphasizing the importance of their current market location and the need for adequate planning in any future moves.