Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan demands end to harassment of Eastleigh and Gikomba traders by city askaris

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan demands end to harassment of Eastleigh and Gikomba traders by city askaris

The Kamukunji MP accuses county askaris of arbitrary arrests, intimidation and destruction of traders’ goods, calling for an end to harassment and unlawful enforcement operations.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan has accused Nairobi City County enforcement officers, commonly known as Kanjos, of subjecting traders in Eastleigh and Gikomba to harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests, while unlawfully confiscating or destroying their business property.

Yusuf said the two areas were among Nairobi's major trading hubs and contributed significantly to the city's tax revenue, questioning why traders were being targeted by officers employed by the same county government that benefits from their economic activities.

He said small-scale traders, hawkers and business owners had reported incidents in which goods were forcefully confiscated or destroyed during enforcement operations, leaving some families without their means of earning a living.

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The MP also raised concerns about the treatment of mama mboga and hawkers, whose goods are sometimes seized without explanation, warning that such losses undermine their ability to support their families.

“The traders generating this revenue are, in essence, helping pay the salaries of the very officers who harass them,” Yusuf said.

He called on the county government to support small businesses rather than subject traders to enforcement operations that threaten their livelihoods, noting that many were already struggling with the high cost of living and the challenges of running businesses.

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While acknowledging the need to enforce county regulations and maintain order in Nairobi, Yusuf insisted that Kanjos must respect the law and the rights of traders in carrying out their duties.

He urged the county government to engage traders and their representatives to address challenges surrounding business licences, designated trading spaces and compliance with county regulations.

Yusuf said the relationship between the county administration and traders had become increasingly unequal, accusing the government of acting against the interests of people whose businesses contribute significantly to the city's economy.

“This unequal relationship, this abusive relationship must come to an end,” he said.

The MP called for an immediate end to harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests, as well as the destruction and unlawful confiscation of traders' property.

He also demanded consultations with traders to establish practical solutions to licensing and trading-space challenges, alongside disciplinary action against officers found to have unlawfully damaged or confiscated property or abused their authority.

Yusuf said traders should be recognised for their contribution to Nairobi's economy rather than treated as enemies of the city.

He pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure traders in Kamukunji Constituency could conduct their businesses without having their rights and livelihoods undermined by county enforcement operations.