Tension gripped parts of Jogoo Road on Friday afternoon after protests erupted in response to the impending demolition of Uhuru Market, one of the city’s long-standing trading hubs.
The demonstrations began at around 13:00 hours when a group of protesters blocked a section of the busy road near the Shell Petrol Station.
Protesters set fire to tires in the middle of the road, bringing traffic to a halt and disrupting movement along the key transport corridor.
Police Move In to Restore Order
Security officers quickly responded to the situation, moving in to extinguish the burning tires and disperse the crowd.
Their intervention helped prevent further escalation and allowed authorities to gradually regain control of the area.
The unrest briefly paralyzed traffic along Jogoo Road, a major route connecting eastern parts of Nairobi to the central business district.
Heavy Police Presence as Traffic Resumes
By 15:12 hours, authorities confirmed that traffic flow had been restored along the affected section of the road.
However, the area remained under tight security with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain order and prevent further disturbances.
Despite the reopening of the road, the protests caused significant traffic snarl-ups in surrounding areas, with motorists experiencing delays as vehicles slowly cleared the backlog.
Business activity in the vicinity also remained largely suspended, with several premises staying closed amid concerns over safety and the uncertain situation on the ground.
Advisory to the Public
Security officials have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement near the protest area. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes where possible to ease congestion.
Authorities also encouraged residents and commuters to obtain regular updates from the security unit and the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) while steering clear of crowds as the situation continues to be monitored.
Officials confirmed that both the security unit and the EOC remain on high alert and are ready to provide any necessary support as developments unfold around the planned demolition of Uhuru Market.
About the Author
