Nairobi county askaris raid Eastleigh businesses, confiscate furniture

On Monday morning, Nairobi City County askaris, commonly known as Kanjos, carried out an unannounced raid in the Shah Macaan area of Eastleigh, targeting small restaurants and hawkers operating in the busy streets.

The raid occurred on a public holiday, with many residents home, enjoying meals at the restaurants.

The Kanjos arrived without warning, seizing furniture from the small eateries and loading it into their vehicle. Once the vehicle was full, they resorted to using a handcart, or mkokoteni, to collect the remaining items. Patrons, startled by the sudden operation, fled the restaurants, while owners hurriedly retrieved their furniture and returned it to their premises.

Reporters from the Eastleigh Voice witnessed askaris destroying tables belonging to hawkers who usually operate in the evenings. Since the hawkers were not present during the day, their stalls remained unattended.

One of the askaris, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the furniture had been obstructing the road, making it difficult for vehicles to pass.

“You see, we only confiscated the furniture placed on the road. It’s very wrong to block the road like that,” the askari said.

The officers also expressed concern over the way some of the restaurants were conducting business, specifically pointing to their practice of washing utensils on the roadside. This, they said, posed health risks and disrupted pedestrians.

The water used for cleaning was often dumped onto the street, causing unsanitary conditions and further inconveniencing passersby.

Despite the unexpected raid, most restaurant owners refrained from confronting the authorities as the confiscation of furniture continued. They stood by, watching as their property was loaded onto the handcart and taken away.

Shah Macaan, home to a variety of small, medium, and large restaurants, is a lively part of Eastleigh that draws many customers, particularly in the evenings, making it a hub of business activity.

The timing of the raid on a public holiday stirred frustration among some of the patrons and business owners. Hussein Jelle, who was having dinner when the Kanjos arrived, expressed his anger.

“It’s a holiday, and they are here to destroy it. Why are the Kanjos always against small businesses and harassing everyone trying to earn a living?” Jelle said, as his chair was among those confiscated.

The operation has sparked mixed reactions within the community. While some residents support the askaris’ efforts to clear road obstructions and maintain order, others see it as an unnecessary crackdown on small businesses struggling to make ends meet.