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| Embakasi MP, Ferdinand Waititu in Uhuru Market [Photo:Standard] |
By Jelimo Chelagat
Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu and a Nairobi Councilor were on Friday arrested and later released following demonstrations against the demolition of kiosks in Nairobi’s Uhuru Market, along Jogoo road.
According to eyewitnesses, the demolitions began at six in the morning as uniformed police officers watched.
“The people came at about six, accompanied by police officers and they began tearing down our kiosks. They did not even give us a chance to remove our things” said Julius Munyoki, a green grocer in the market.
The traders alleged that the land, belonging to Nairobi City Council, had been sold to a foreigner hence their eviction.
Led by Waititu and area councilor Mwangi Njuguna, the enraged residents protested and halted workers who were fencing off part of the property. The MP was subsequently arrested for allegedly inciting the residents.
Speaking to The Standard at Jogoo Police Station, Waititu said the Uhuru market traders had his full support. The Assistant Minister complained that corrupt city council officials were behind the demolitions.
“This is the corruption that we must end at the city council. Wananchi cannot be harassed just because some people pocketed money,” said Waititu.
The case against the Embakasi MP and Maringo Councilor will be heard on Monday. This is not Waititu’s first brush with the law as the MP was arrested in April this year while protesting against demolitions in Umoja estate.
