'Stay put,' Babu Owino tells protesting Marikiti traders amid eviction plans

The traders took to the streets on Thursday to protest the eviction by the Nairobi County government, lighting bonfires and vowing not to move to the new market. 

In the eviction notice, the city government said their presence has rendered the roads around the market impassable due to congestion. 

Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration wants to decongest the area around Marikiti market and make it accessible to both city residents and vehicles. 

But Babu, a strong critic of Sakaja's leadership, has sided with the traders, urging them not to agree to move to the Kangundo Road market built by the county government.

"Nairobi County Government should respect Marikiti traders.The traders were relocated to Kang’undo where they were attacked by the locals and it’s a security threat to insist on them going back there.Nairobians have no jobs and any business they partake to pay rent,school fees and buy food should be respected.Watu wa marikiti msikubali they want to grab that land," Babu said.

The traders held protests after receiving the eviction notice from the county government. Anti-riot police were on Thursday deployed to the area to quell the unrest. 

His sentiments, however, met opposition from a section of Kenyans, who said it's time the traders move as the area around Marikiti is impassable.

Some of those opposed to the MP's sentiments said there is no need for politicking on every issue, even when some policies are meant to help the city residents. 

The Marikiti traders have vowed not to move as they claim this will inconvenience them and their trade.