By Mwenda Njeru
A fierce standoff has erupted in Pumwani between miraa traders and the Nairobi County Government over a contested piece of land recently allocated to the traders as a market.
The site, which serves as a key hub for distributing miraa from Meru, is at the center of a heated dispute amid claims that a private developer is seeking to take control of the property.
The conflict came to a head earlier this week when a county officer, allegedly acting on behalf of the developer, attempted to evict the traders.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the officer reportedly enlisted police officers from Dagoretti rather than the local Eastleigh jurisdiction, sparking allegations of irregularity.
The eviction attempt triggered a three-hour altercation between traders and law enforcement, with tensions escalating to the point that a large contingent of police officers had to be deployed to restore order.
The traders, many of whom rely on the market for their livelihood, were vocal in their opposition, accusing certain county officials of working against their interests.
“This land was allocated to us after years of lobbying,” said one trader who requested anonymity. “Now we feel betrayed by the very people who are supposed to protect us.” Said Mr James Mutegi, a trader.
Governor Johnson Sakaja, who approved the allocation of the land to the traders, is now being called upon to intervene. The traders have demanded that he act decisively against what they describe as sabotage by rogue county officers.
The miraa market in Pumwani is a lifeline for hundreds of families, facilitating the daily dissemination of miraa products to various parts of Nairobi and beyond.
Any disruption to its operations could have far-reaching economic and social consequences.The dispute also raises broader concerns about transparency and accountability in the allocation and management of public land in Nairobi.
As the city grapples with increasing urbanization and development pressures, ensuring fairness in land-use decisions remains a critical challenge.
Governor Sakaja has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but observers say his response will be key in determining not just the future of the miraa market but also his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of small traders.
For now, the miraa traders remain resolute, vowing to protect their market from what they see as an unjust takeover attempt.