Traders at Muthurwa Market in Narok town have erupted in protest following the arrest and alleged mistreatment of their market security guard. The incident, which has stirred significant unrest, began on Sunday night and has since escalated into a full-blown demonstration that has drawn widespread attention and concern.
The controversy centers on Oyugi, a security guard who has been a fixture at the Muthurwa Market for many years. According to accounts from the traders, the altercation started when Oyugi attempted to block a policeman from entering the market during hours when such entry was prohibited. The officer, reportedly not in uniform, did not identify himself, leading Oyugi to enforce the market’s security protocols by stopping him.
Lawrence Macharia, one of the traders, provided a detailed account of the situation, expressing frustration over the officer’s behavior. Macharia explained that the officer’s lack of identification and apparent disregard for market regulations prompted Oyugi to take action. “The officer was not wearing a uniform and did not introduce himself. Oyugi was simply doing his job by preventing unauthorized entry,” Macharia said. He also emphasized Oyugi’s reputation among the traders, describing him as a “humble and obedient” individual who has served the market faithfully.
Joyce Kariuki, another trader, supported Macharia’s account, noting that Oyugi’s request for the officer to show identification only led to further conflict. Kariuki was critical of the officer’s conduct, stating, “Oyugi has been a loyal security guard for many years. It’s shocking and unacceptable to see him treated this way. The officer’s behavior was out of line, and it has caused a lot of distress among the traders.”
The situation took a dramatic turn when a woman who tried to assist Oyugi was reportedly assaulted and later admitted to Narok County Referral Hospital. Her hospitalization added another layer of urgency to the traders’ protest, as it highlighted the severity of the altercation and the perceived aggression of the police officer involved.
In response to the incident, the traders organized a large-scale protest. They barricaded the road leading to the county commissioner’s office and burned tires, seeking to draw attention to their grievances and demand immediate action. Despite efforts by Narok Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kennedy Mwangome to address the angry crowd, the traders remained adamant in their demands. They called for the release of Oyugi and insisted that the police officer involved be held accountable for his actions.
The protest escalated further when the traders moved to block the Narok-Nakuru Highway at the Commissioner’s junction. The disruption caused significant traffic issues and drew additional attention to the traders’ plight. In response, the police deployed teargas canisters to disperse the crowd, intensifying the already volatile situation.
The DCC has promised that an investigation into the incident is underway and assured that any individuals found guilty of misconduct will face appropriate legal consequences. This pledge aims to address the traders’ concerns and restore order in the wake of the protest.
The unrest at Muthurwa Market underscores broader issues related to police conduct and the treatment of market security personnel. The traders’ actions reflect widespread dissatisfaction with perceived abuses of power and a call for greater accountability within local law enforcement.
As the investigation progresses, there will be increased scrutiny on how the situation is handled and whether justice is served. The outcome will be crucial not only for resolving the immediate conflict but also for restoring trust between the market community and local authorities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining effective and respectful interactions between security personnel and the public they serve.
