Jaguar, in whose constituency Marikiti Market sits, said he broke a leg while supporting traders who engaged in an ugly fight with Nairobi county askaris.

The traders resorted to demonstrations to protest alleged harassment by county askaris, and a sharp increase in the levy charged on hawkers.

"Come visit me at Karen hospital...broke my leg at Marikiti market when fighting with county officers who harassing traders," the youthful MP tweeted on Wednesday.

Social media users wished him a quick message even as the situation in Marikiti continued to deteriorate.

On Thursday morning, police had to be called in to contain the traders who staged a chaotic demonstration after their chairman was arrested in the ongoing standoff.