Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan has demanded an immediate end to the alleged harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests of traders in Eastleigh and Gikomba by Nairobi City County enforcement officers, accusing the county government of treating business owners as criminals despite their contribution to the city's economy.
Hassan condemned the destruction and forceful confiscation of traders' goods and property, calling for accountability for county officers found to have abused their authority during enforcement operations.
The legislator questioned why traders operating in Eastleigh and Gikomba, two of Nairobi's major commercial centres and significant contributors to county revenue, were allegedly being subjected to intimidation by the same administration responsible for supporting their businesses.
He argued that the traders' contributions help finance county operations, including the salaries of enforcement officers, making their alleged treatment particularly unacceptable.
Hassan said small-scale traders, hawkers and business owners were working to support their families and sustain their livelihoods amid the high cost of living and challenging business conditions. He maintained that the county government should be protecting small businesses rather than engaging in practices that undermine their ability to earn a living.
The MP also highlighted the treatment of mama mboga and other informal traders, whose goods are allegedly seized without explanation, leaving them without their daily source of income.
He warned that the destruction or confiscation of property through intimidation and abuse of power could leave vulnerable households struggling to meet their basic needs.
However, Hassan clarified that he supported lawful enforcement of county regulations and the need to maintain order in Nairobi. He insisted that such operations must be conducted fairly, respectfully and humanely, without violating traders' rights or destroying their livelihoods.
He called on Nairobi City County to engage traders and their representatives in addressing challenges surrounding business licensing, designated trading spaces and regulatory compliance.
Rather than relying on confrontational enforcement, he urged the county to pursue practical and sustainable solutions that would allow traders to operate within established regulations while protecting their businesses.
Hassan outlined several demands, including an immediate stop to the alleged harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests, an end to the destruction and unlawful confiscation of traders' property, and investigations to ensure officers found responsible for misconduct are held accountable.
The Kamukunji MP further criticised the relationship between the county administration and traders, describing it as unequal and abusive.
He said the county government appeared to be acting as an enemy of the people rather than their elected administration, insisting that traders should be recognised as partners in Nairobi's economic development.
Hassan pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure traders in Kamukunji have their rights, livelihoods and dignity protected.
His intervention places renewed attention on the relationship between Nairobi County's enforcement operations and the thousands of small-scale traders who depend on Eastleigh and Gikomba for their livelihoods.
