Woodley traders will on Friday stage a peaceful protest against the eviction notice issued by Kenya Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura).
The notice which was issued on January 24, 2024, requires them to vacate the Ngong Road-Kibera-Langata Link Road corridor today.
"The law at section 49(a) of the Kenyu Roads Authority, 2007 specifically bars all persons from creating, constructing or laying, or establishing any structure or thing, on or over or below the surface of a Road Reserve or creating vehicular obstruction," the notice reads.
"We have noted encroachment into the road reserve which has been marked out as per the approved maps and Survey Plans. You have also been advised severally to move out of the road reserve and remove all encroaching structures, but have failed to do so."
According to Kura, the traders ought to have moved by or on the 30th day from the date of this notice.
The authority also warned that failure by the traders to act as directed will result in forceful evictions.
According to MCA Davidson Ngibuini alias DNG, this has prompted concerns about the impact on struggling Kenyan businesses, livelihoods, and income-generating activities, particularly during these challenging economic times.
In response to the removal notice, DNG criticised Kura's decision as poor, highlighting the contradiction with the Kenya Kwanza government's identification as a "Hustler Regime."
He emphasized the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights, asserting that every person has the right to peaceably and unarmed assembly, demonstration, picketing, and presenting petitions to public authorities.
The MCA has urged Kura to rescind the removal notice and allow them to continue operating their businesses without disruption.
Also, the traders demand that the authority issue a no-objection letter to permit them to erect modern kiosks in the designated area in alignment with the Nairobi City County Government’s County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2023-2027).
As a result, DNG issued a notice to the Inspector General of Police notifying them of the intended protest.
"I hereby request you to provide security and safeguard the lives of the peaceful protestors and journalists as well as the Businesses of the Traders," he said.
The UDA legislator also informed the police that people with disability who are struggling to earn a living in the section earmarked for demolition will also be part of the protests and therefore requested that they should be treated with dignity and respect.
