Two people shot in clashes between traders, county askaris in Kitengela

Tension remains high in Kitengela after two women were shot and injured during clashes between traders, Kajiado County askaris, and police officers.

The violence, which entered its third day on Friday, follows the county’s decision to relocate traders from the roadside to a newly constructed market.

For the past three days, Kitengela town has been transformed into a battlefield. Traders clashed repeatedly with Kajiado County askaris and police officers in fierce running battles.

Using stones, frustrated traders blocked the roads leading to the market, forcing police to fire shots into the air to disperse the crowds.

During the clashes two women were shot and sustained serious injuries. Traders who rescued them and rushed them to Kitengela Sub-County Hospital say the women were hit despite not taking part in the protests.

At the centre of dispute is the relocation of traders operating along the busy Nairobi - Namanga highway, a move opposed by the traders who argue they cannot fit into the newly constructed market.

Peter Ndung'u, Chairman, Kitengela Traders Association, said: "Sisi hatujajua shida yetu kwa sababu kitambo tulikuwa na agreement tutakaa kwa barabara kwa sababu hatukuwa tumepata space kwa soko mpya, na wakasema tukae tukue tunafungua saa tano mpaka wamalize kujenga soko hapa chini.”

Bruce Likama, Ward Administrator, Kitengela, stated: "We have enough space in our market; 653 slots empty in that market, the first floor and third floor are empty. The ground floor is half empty, so we have enough space, so we are going to re-issue them to those hawkers who are selling on our roads."

Isinya Deputy County Commissioner Reuben Ratemo, on his part, stated: "Hakuna hawker ametuletea shida, shida ni goons na tumewatambua…tumetoa onyo, hawawezi kutufanyia vile walifanya the other day, tumepanga kufanya msako kutoka leo…siku tano kuanzia leo kuhakikisha hao magoons na majambazi wametoka Kitengela.”

Authorities have appealed to traders to remain calm as they seek ways to resolve the stalemate. The traders have demanded justice for the two who were shot during the clashes.