In Eastleigh, Nairobi, tensions escalated on Tuesday as local traders clashed with police during a raid on a wholesale store suspected of stocking contraband milk powder. The confrontation led to a standstill, disrupting business activities for over three hours and causing transportation disruptions along Eastleigh Fourth Street, where the police operation was underway. Despite the challenges, detectives from the DCI headquarters, leading a multi-agency operation, managed to arrest one individual allegedly involved in the illicit trade of contraband goods in the area.
The clashes between traders and law enforcement resulted in damage to two police vehicles, with protesters pelting stones while police responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd. The arrested suspect is expected to face charges, with the court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.
Traders in Eastleigh have accused the DCI detectives, part of the multi-agency team, of unfairly targeting their legitimate businesses. The traders argue that they possess proper documentation for the imported milk powder, demonstrating compliance with customs, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) regulations. Mohammed Ismaily, a local businessman, expressed frustration, describing the situation as oppressive and highlighting the widespread distribution of the implicated milk products throughout Kenya.
Eastleigh Business Community Secretary Omar Ahmed emphasized the need for authorities to adhere to legal procedures during such operations, urging the production of proper documentation. Traders raised concerns about a previous operation where DCI officers seized milk powder worth millions without providing an inventory to the affected trader. Local leaders, including Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, called for intervention from higher authorities, seeking clarity on the government’s position regarding powdered milk and advocating for fair treatment of Eastleigh businesses.
Despite the backlash and allegations, the police defended the legitimacy of the operation, asserting that they acted lawfully based on information received about the alleged involvement of the trader in contraband activities. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions surrounding efforts to curb illicit trade in various regions.
