Tension gripped Kitengela town on Friday after two women were shot and several others injured during violent clashes between hawkers and county council askaris.
The confrontation, which entered its second day, erupted mid-morning when enforcement officers attempted to evict hawkers from the streets. The traders resisted the move, sparking running battles that quickly escalated after hooligans joined the clashes and started blocking roads and hurling stones.
Police were forced to intervene, firing tear gas canisters to disperse the demonstrators as business in the busy township came to a standstill. Shops remained closed for hours as residents kept off the streets amid the chaos, while transport along the busy Nairobi–Namanga highway was disrupted.
The two women who sustained gunshot wounds were rushed to Kitengela Sub-County Hospital where they are receiving treatment. Several others injured during the clashes were also taken to nearby health facilities.
Property was destroyed during the unrest, with the chief’s office near the market broken into.
Isinya Deputy County Commissioner Reuben Ratemo said criminal elements had infiltrated the protests and were using the unrest to loot and destroy property.
“We will not allow criminals to hide behind demonstrations to destroy property and steal from innocent residents, those found engaging in such acts will face the full force of the law.” said Ratemo.
He said security had been heightened in the area and several suspects arrested as police intensified patrols to restore order.
The hawkers have vowed to continue selling in the streets, resisting relocation to the newly opened modern market. They argue that operating along the roads gives them better access to customers.
However, Kajiado East Sub-County Administrator Brian Likama maintained that there are enough stalls for all hawkers at the new market and insisted they must vacate the streets.
“We have enough stalls at the new market for all traders. There are 653 empty stalls waiting to be occupied, and the hawkers should move there instead of crowding the streets.” said Likama.
Residents expressed concern over the escalating violence, saying the clashes have disrupted business, endangered lives, and paralyzed transport. They urged both the county government and the hawkers to resolve the dispute amicably to restore peace and normalcy in the town.
By Rop Janet
