This archive report was first published on 27 July 2021.
On July 27, 2021, a group of traders at the Fig Tree Market in Ngara, Nairobi, were left counting their losses after waking up to find their stalls demolished.
According to eyewitnesses, a number of makeshift stalls were brought down in unclear circumstances, leaving the traders with destroyed stock and investments.
Former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru arrived at the scene after receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens and offered the traders Ksh100,000 to share amongst themselves.
"I did not come here well prepared but I believe the little I have should help in one way or another," Wanjiru stated.
She condemned the demolition of the stalls belonging to greengrocers, fruit mongers, boutique owners, and food vendors, and promised to request Deputy President William Ruto intervene in the matter.
The demolitions were allegedly initiated by a Nairobi businessperson who wants to use the prime property as a parking lot.
Police officers arrived at the scene to contain the situation as the traders had planned to stone property owned by the developer.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including the demolition of 300 businesses in Nakuru on October 11, 2020, and the destruction of business premises along Manyanja Road, Embakasi, on July 10.
