Tension remains high in Nairobi’s Huruma estate and its environs following four consecutive days of violence that have paralysed transport and commerce across the area.
Factions of armed youth clashed again on Tuesday, extending chaos to sections of Outer Ring Road and neighbouring estates, including Kiamaiko and Kariobangi.
Businesses have remained shuttered as fear grips residents. Shop owners and traders, some of whom have already suffered significant losses, are now calling on the National Police Service to decisively crack down on criminal gangs reportedly behind the unrest.
“This madness must stop,” lamented one business owner. “We can’t continue living in fear. People are walking around with machetes.”
The clashes are believed to have been triggered by a retaliatory attack after one youth was reportedly maimed during an earlier incident.
Eyewitnesses report that the gangs are not just fighting each other, but are also looting shops and targeting vehicles during the chaos. Despite the heavy police presence, residents accuse the authorities of failing to prevent the escalation.
“There is no way people can operate their businesses when their lives are at risk,” said a trader from Huruma.
In response, police say they are working to stabilize the area and have already made several arrests.
