Kangemi residents and traders experienced an uneasy Tuesday morning as anti-riot police officers were deployed along Waiyaki Way amid reports of a planned protest. Authorities increased security in response to unrest over the stalled Rironi-Waiyaki Way access route, which residents claim has disrupted daily activities and livelihoods.
Heavy Police Presence
At dawn, heavily armed officers were seen patrolling the streets and encircling the Harambee market, a crucial hub for local traders. The heightened presence appeared to discourage some traders from opening their businesses.
Market vendor Kanini expressed frustration over the police action, suggesting it could aggravate tensions.
“Polisi hapa ndio watachochea vijana kuandamana. Mimi hata leo sikua nifungue biashara lakini hatutaki fujo (The move by police to appear today might incite the youth to protest. I was not supposed to open my shop today, but we don’t want chaos),” she said.
Kanini also highlighted the challenges faced by traders due to the incomplete access road:
“To get our perishable items into the Harambee market, we rely on this slip lane. What happens if our clients from Loresho and other areas cannot access the road?”
Fear and Disruption
The security measures caused unease among residents and traders alike, with many opting to stay away from their usual activities. Boda boda (motorbike taxi) operators, who are critical to the local transport system, voiced their grievances about the poor state of the road and the growing operational costs.
Victor Juma, a rider, noted that allowing peaceful protests could help amplify their demands for a solution.
“We are both affected by this poor road. Despite the county government’s numerous promises, nothing has been done. Transporting clients who are unwilling to pay more has become increasingly costly,” Juma remarked.
Viral Social Media Call
The planned protest gained momentum on social media, with posts advising pedestrians and motorists to avoid Waiyaki Way. A post by Facebook user Lnzinguta Lngumba warned about potential disruptions caused by the demonstration, drawing significant attention from local residents.
The stalled Rironi-Waiyaki Way bridge project, the core grievance behind the protest, has been a longstanding issue. Many locals depend on this route for commerce and transportation, and its delay has hindered access to key markets, including Harambee Market.
Economic Concerns
For Kangemi traders, the bridge’s delay has had a direct economic impact. Perishable goods are particularly at risk as delivery times increase, making it difficult for traders to meet demand. Additionally, customers from Loresho and neighboring areas now struggle to access the market, further affecting businesses.
Police Strategy
While authorities maintain that the deployment is necessary to prevent unrest, critics argue it could inadvertently fuel public anger. The show of force may be seen as an attempt to stifle legitimate grievances, further polarizing the community.
A Plea for Resolution
The traders and residents of Kangemi have called on the county government to address the issue urgently. Resolving the bridge project would restore normalcy and ease tensions in the area.
In the meantime, local businesses and commuters face ongoing uncertainty. For many, the hope is that dialogue rather than confrontation will pave the way to a resolution.
As the day unfolds, residents will watch closely to see how the situation develops, with the hope that calm prevails in the face of their shared frustrations.
