Motorist Assaulted by Hawkers in Eastleigh After Plea for Passage

Nairobi, Kenya — September 22, 2025, 20:30 EAT.

A motorist is fighting for his life in hospital after being violently beaten by hawkers along Jam Street, Eastleigh, following a confrontation over blocked road access. Nairobi County environment officials have condemned the incident as a marked example of lawlessness taking hold in public spaces.

The Latest

• The incident occurred when the man — reportedly trying to attend to a family emergency — was unable to pass through Jam Street because hawkers had occupied the road, turning it into an open-air market. 

• He stepped out of his vehicle to ask the traders to clear the road. According to Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Environment, the hawkers refused and physically assaulted him, leaving him with serious injuries. He is now admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

• County authorities have condemned the attack, calling it barbaric, shameful, and emblematic of growing impunity among hawkers who flout rules governing where and how street trading can happen. 

Context in Brief

• Eastleigh has long been a commercial hub with heavy street trading. In recent years, there has been escalating conflict between formal traffic flows, motorist and pedestrian access, and informal traders. Some roads are often blocked by stalls, restricting normal movement. 

• Laws such as the Public Nuisance Act (Cap 114) and Nairobi City County trade licensing regulations specify where hawking is permitted and prohibit obstruction of roads and public ways. Local authorities have repeatedly called for clearer enforcement. 

Law, Policy, and Process

• Legal framework:

  • Public Nuisance Act (Cap 114) – prohibits actions that obstruct access or constitute public nuisance. 

  • Trade Licensing Act, Nairobi City County – hawkers need valid licenses, must operate in designated areas and follow times/hours set by the county. 

• Mandates: Nairobi County is responsible for regulating trade licensing, public spaces, and ensuring pedestrian and vehicular access are not unjustly blocked. Law enforcement and public order agencies are also involved.

• What must happen next under law: Authorities should investigate the assault, enforce licensing/offense provisions, possibly prosecute those responsible. Also, provide safeguarded designated trading zones and clear operating hours for hawkers.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Geoffrey Mosiria (Chief Officer for Environment, Nairobi County) condemned the attack: “When he stepped out of his car … they turned on him and beat him until he ended up in the ICU. This is barbaric, shameful, and completely unacceptable.” 

• Local residents and motorists expressed alarm, stating that blocked arêtes and hawking on major roads create hazards and conflict. Many called for greater protection and for officials to enforce regulations. 

• Hawkers/traders are yet to issue a public detailed response in available reports. Some informal comments suggest many don’t have access to designated stalls and must trade on roads to survive.

Evidence & Data Box

Risks, Implications & Scenarios

• Public trust & safety: Incidents like this erode trust in authorities if streets remain lawless, and may spark vigilantism or clashes between residents and traders.

• Legal consequences: Possible prosecutions are likely; enforcement action could escalate against hawkers operating illegally.

• Economic impact: Traffic disruptions and blocked roads hurt commerce, delay emergency services, and affect both formal and informal economies.

• Policy pressure: There will likely be increased demand for policies that balance livelihoods of street traders with public order, safety, and accessibility.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Identities of the individuals (victim and perpetrators) and whether arrests have been made.

• Full medical prognosis of the victim (long-term injuries, expected recovery).

• Whether there are legal / civil claims being prepared by the victim or community.

• Whether there’s an existing county plan to provide traders with designated spaces to reduce such conflicts.

• How widely this issue is affecting other Nairobi estates under similar conditions.

Timeline

• Early Sep 2025: Business owners and malls in Eastleigh complain about hawkers returning early, blocking roads, staying outside designated hours. 

• September 22, 2025: Incident occurs; motorist assaulted after asking hawkers to clear Jam Street. Mosiria speaks out. Victim admitted to ICU. 

What to Watch

• Whether law enforcement agencies arrest suspects and bring charges.

• County government’s enforcement plan for streets, public space occupation, hawking hours and licensing.

• Possible establishment of designated trading zones to reduce conflict.

• Public response, particularly from hawkers, traders, motorists, and residents.

Editor’s Note: The facts in this article are based on reporting by The Star, TUKO, K24, and county government statements. We will update if additional medical or legal developments occur.