Chaos erupted in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood on Monday evening after a motorist was assaulted by a group of hawkers while pleading for a right of way during a medical emergency.https://www.facebook.com/100067867727102/posts/pfbid02qRKN3ui6KEeAEyAfDQ9Ub7HScFzLh6C73vUU3kxdBndRZSG4vWE8gh7i4VGf97Dwl/
According to eyewitnesses, the motorist, who was reportedly rushing a sick child to a nearby hospital, became entangled in heavy traffic along Eastleigh’s Second Avenue.
The road, already narrow, was further congested by hawkers occupying both sides of the street, making passage nearly impossible.
In a desperate attempt to get through, the driver stepped out of his vehicle and begged the hawkers to give way. Instead of assisting, a group of them turned violent, accusing him of “harassing traders” and “threatening their businesses.
” The situation quickly escalated, and the motorist was physically attacked. Onlookers captured the incident on video, which has since gone viral on social media platforms.
A widely circulated photo by journalist Geoffrey Mosiria on X (formerly Twitter) showed the aftermath of the altercation, with the injured man being helped by bystanders. The child was eventually rushed to hospital in another vehicle, thanks to the intervention of good Samaritans.
Local residents and business owners have condemned the incident, calling for immediate action by Nairobi County authorities. “It’s not just about space—it’s about safety and dignity,” one resident said. “If emergency vehicles or distressed people can’t move freely, then we’ve failed as a society.”
Police have launched an investigation and promised to identify and prosecute those involved in the assault. Meanwhile, city officials say they are reviewing hawking policies in Eastleigh to prevent such incidents and restore public order.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed for safety reasons, is said to be recovering and has recorded a statement with the authorities.
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