Chaos erupted at Kongowea, along Mombasa-Malindi highway after angry traders operating outside Kongowea market barricaded the road, paralysing transport operations.
The traders who own Kisoks and other temporary structures along the road, lit bonfires protesting demolition of their structures by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) under tight security.
Police were forced to lobe teargas canisters to disperse the more than 3,000 traders who were left counting losses as they lamented that they were not issued with demolition notice.
"My property, my goods have been destroyed. I don't know where my money is. They came without giving us a notice," lamented a female trader who also owned an M-Pesa shop in the area.
The traders engaged anti-riot police in running battles as the junction of Fidel Castro and Mombasa-Malindi roads remained a no-go-zone.
However, KeNHA officials who were present said a demolition notice had been issued as the Authority sought to pave way for the expansion of Mombasa-Malindi road.
KeNHA said more structures would be demolished.