Concerns mount in Eastleigh over 'disruptive police raids'

Community leaders and businessmen in Eastleigh have criticized the recent law enforcement operations that plunged the town into chaos.

A contingent of officers was deployed to restore order following a raid by a multi-agency team on shops suspected of selling counterfeit milk and milk products on Tuesday.

Plainclothes officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters and the National Police Service conducted the raids on Mukuyu Avenue, Third Avenue, and Yussuf Haji Avenue. They allegedly gained forceful entry into shops suspected of harboring contraband goods, a claim that was dismissed by the entrepreneurs.

Eastleigh Business District Association Secretary Omar Ahmed condemned the raid and called for government intervention.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between businesses and authorities.

“We earnestly request the government's intervention to address this issue promptly, allowing businesses to resume their operations smoothly," he said.

Eastleigh Business District Association Secretary, Omar Ahmed, addresses the media after a multi-agency operation on Tuesday. (Yunis Dekow).

He called for inclusive measures to support Eastleigh's economic vitality.

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan expressed concerns about the government's unclear communication regarding the powdered milk ban after the operation in Eastleigh.

He emphasized the importance of informing business owners beforehand to prevent potential losses.

"If the government has banned powdered milk, it should announce to business people that it is illegal to sell certain powdered milk in Kenya," he said.

He clarified that the confiscated products were from Kenyan companies, not imports.

Yusuf underscored the need for concrete proof, pointing out that traders presented receipts from state agencies.

Abdiwahab Bishar, a businessman selling wholesale food products on Mukuyu Avenue, said the disruption and closures of their business premises were causing significant financial strain.

“We urge the government to intervene and address the situation promptly. The government should facilitate the resumption of normal business activities in the area,” he said.

Abdi Hassan, an entrepreneur at Bangkok Mall, said, "These sudden closures are hitting us hard. It's affecting not just our businesses but the livelihoods of employees and their families."

He condemned the confusion caused by the raids, calling for transparency and constructive dialogue for mutual solutions.

“Small vendors like myself are bearing the brunt. We need a fair and transparent process from the government,” said Abdi.

Eastleigh, known as "Little Mogadishu," is a diverse commercial hub with vibrant markets, shops, and malls. Malls and wholesale shops plan to close for three days in protest against the raids from Wednesday.