Wednesday, August 31, 2016
By PATRICK VIDIJA
Traders in Eastleigh intend to close their businesses every week from Wednesday to Friday citing the invasion of hawkers in front of their shops.
Chairman Ibrahim Hussein said on Wednesday that about 20,000 hawkers have invaded the entire market out of whom only 200 are genuine.
He made his remarks as more than 45 shopping malls in Eastleigh closed on Wednesday to protest the presence of hawkers sprawling the area.
The traders say they are unable to open because entrance and exits to their shops are blocked.
Read: Hawkers’ shacks illegal, untidy and will be torn down — city
They said that major roads in the area have also been blocked by the vendors; and will petition Governor Evans Kidero and City Hall to intervene on the matter.
Two weeks ago, the hawkers stoned Moonlight Mall on after its management asked them to leave the main entrance.
Idris Ali, the mall's owner, said the hawkers refused to leave and engaged police in running battles.