Eastleigh

Public baraza addresses Eastleigh North insecurity, conflict between hawkers and taxi drivers

Bildard Tindi, the head of county askari operations in Kamukunji Sub-county, addresses a public baraza on Jam Street in Eastleigh North, Nairobi, on May 20, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Monday, May 20, 2024

The conflict began on Friday evening when a dispute over space between hawkers and taxi drivers erupted into violence on Jam Street.

A public baraza took place on Monday to address insecurity and recent conflicts between hawkers and taxi drivers in Eastleigh North, Nairobi County, after the incidents turned tribal.

Assistant County Commissioner Mohamed Hadi Adow called the meeting that involved chiefs, Bildard Tindi who is the head of county askari operations in Kamukunji Sub-county, and political leaders.

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The conflict began on Friday evening when a dispute over space between hawkers and taxi drivers erupted into violence on Jam Street. Several people were injured, among them an assistant chief, and the incident was reported to the Eastleigh North Police Station.

During the baraza, Najib Ali, speaking on behalf of the taxi drivers, blamed hawkers, accusing them of occupying all available spaces, including roads. Najib further claimed that city askaris allow the hawkers to operate anywhere, making it difficult for taxis to operate.

"They sell their goods even on the road, making our work hard," he said.

Residents of Eastleigh North, Nairobi, attend a public baraza on Jam Street in Eastleigh North, Nairobi, on May 20, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Fatuma Mohamed, representing the hawkers, expressed their struggles with the askaris, whom she described as their "main problem".

She accused them of using excessive force to evict them from the streets, yet street hawking is a profession that many in Kenya rely on for their livelihoods.

"The tear gas [they use when evicting us] has affected several pregnant women," she said.

Tindi explained that building owners had been complaining about hawkers invading their property, prompting action against them.

"We receive many complaints from mall owners who say their buildings have been invaded by hawkers," he noted, adding that taxi drivers contribute to the traffic problems on Jam Street.

Chief Mohamed Isaac accused taxi drivers of carrying knives in their vehicles, which they allegedly used to intimidate others. He also noted a rise in insecurity on Jam Street, attributing it to young boys from the area.

"They run up these buildings after stealing. We have to find them," he said, adding that hawkers should not operate under buildings under construction, as this had led to fatalities.

Assistant County Commissioner Mohamed Hadi Adow addresses a public baraza on Jam Street in Eastleigh North, Nairobi, on May 20, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

The assistant county commissioner emphasised the need to engage in legal business activities at all times.

"Hawkers have no right to block roads. At the same time, everybody here has the right to carry out business as long as it is legal," he said.

Adow also warned taxi drivers against carrying knives in their cars and city askaris against harassing anyone in Eastleigh.

The baraza aimed to resolve the ongoing issues between hawkers and taxi drivers while addressing broader concerns of insecurity in Eastleigh North.

The authorities urged peaceful coexistence and adherence to the law to restore order and ensure the safety of all residents.