Traders at the Mutuombare market in Kiambere ward, Mbeere South, Embu County, were forced to cease operations following a heated standoff over control of the lucrative sand business.

The dispute, which has sparked growing unrest in the area, comes just days after residents of Karura launched their own Community-Based Organization (CBO), breaking away from the existing Kiambere Ward CBO—a move that has caused deep divisions.

The split has fueled fierce opposition from supporters of the established CBO, paralyzing the sand business.

The situation reached a boiling point when angry locals blocked the Kivaa-Mutuombare road by felling massive trees and rolling boulders onto the road, rendering the route impassable.

The protesters also lit bonfires at several key points, further crippling transport and leaving many stranded.

Karura members accused the leadership of the existing CBO of uneven distribution of resources from the proceeds of the sand business which prompted them to open their own organization and collect revenue for the development of this area.

The standoff prompted a swift response from police who moved in to clear the road.

Authorities are urging calm, but with the community bitterly divided, the situation remains volatile.