Nairobi, January 30- Chaos erupted in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday as matatu operators staged a protest against hawkers occupying their designated parking spaces.

At least four vehicles from different saccos were parked along major roads, including Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya, Accra Road, and Ronald Ngala, blocking traffic. Drivers and conductors turned the streets into a makeshift football field, disrupting transport and making it difficult for pedestrians to move around.

Amidst the demonstration, operators were heard whistling, shouting, and chanting slogans such as “hakuna kubembelezana leo hapa” (we won’t take matters lightly today).

Speaking to the media, National CEO of the Federation of Public Transport Sector, Kushian Muchiri, called on both the national and county governments to uphold the rights of the transport sector. He warned of a potential industry-wide strike if their grievances were not addressed.

Simon Mburu, director of Lucky Baba Dogo Traveller, expressed frustration over the encroachment of their spaces by other businesses, saying it had disrupted their operations.

“That is why we have decided to bring all business in town to a standstill,” Mburu stated.

He further explained that while the traders had an official letter permitting them to use the space, their sacco was left out, with no formal communication regarding the change. Previously, hawkers would only set up shop from 4 PM, and he criticized the new arrangement for disrupting their co-existence.

The chaos drew police presence.

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