12 arraigned over Eastleigh riots

Twelve people have been arraigned in a Nairobi Court over claims that they took part in riots over business rivalry between hawkers and shop owners in Eastleigh Estate, Nairobi.

The 12 were charged with creating disturbance in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace.

It is alleged that on September 3, 2016 at Eastleigh 1st Avenue, the 12 accused persons created disturbance in a manner likely to cause disturbance by blocking roads with stones, tyres, lighting bonfires and throwing stones at police officers engaged on official duties.

They pleaded guilty to the charge before chief magistrate Daniel Ogembo and were each sentenced to 30 days in jail or a Sh5,000 fine.

Over 50 shopping malls in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate were closed on Wednesday as shop owners protest the invasion of hawkers in the market.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Eastleigh Businesses Community Secretary Ahmed Mohamed said that the decision to close down the shops was necessitated by the increase in the number of hawkers in the area, which has led to an increase in crime.

Mohamed said that cases of robbery have been on the rise due to the presence of hawkers on the streets of one of the largest shopping point in Nairobi.

He further accused the County Council of Nairobi of abating crime saying some officials in the county government are working in cahoots with the hawkers to frustrate shop owners.