Police arrest 10 mechanics in Nairobi's eviction protest

By  Cyrus Ombati

At least ten mechanics have been arrested in a violent clash with police over a piece of land they were being evicted from in Nairobi’s Grogan area.

On Tuesday, the more than 900 jua kali artisans who have been operating from the site were shocked to find police surrounding it who informed them of eviction orders.

This prompted the artisans to protest as they could not access the field because a group of youths hired by an auctioneer was busy constructing a fence around the field. The mechanics engaged police in running battles for the better part of the morning lighting bonfires and barricading roads in the streets. They said they had been rendered jobless.

“That the plaintiffs shall vacate and give vacant possession of the suit property L R No 209/136/259 to the 1st defendant, Trustees of Jamia Mosque Committee who shall immediately erect a perimeter wall,” reads in part, the orders issued by Justice Pauline Nyamweya.

The land belongs to The Jamia Masjidahl and the case had been taken to court before the orders were issued last year in November.

The judge’s orders were based on a mutual consent entered between the mosque committee, the mechanics and the original owners of the plot, the Hebatulla family last September. Central OCPD Patrick Oduma led a contingent of police officers to take charge of the field with most of the nearby shops remaining closed for fear of being looted. During the commotion, some vehicles were damaged.

Police have asked motorists not to take their cars to the controversial site for repairs over fear clashes might break out. The mechanics had been allocated 1.25 acres of land near the disputed one and were asked to move there but some are yet to do so.

Nairobi area police boss Benson Kibui said they had been ordered by the courts to ensure the owners take over the field.