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Trans Nzoia traders protest over eviction, blame Natembeya

Friday, October 21st, 2022 13:51 | By
One of the affected traders addressing the press in Kitale. PHOTO/Emanuel Tarus

Over three hundred traders who were evicted from Chanuka market in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County on Friday morning staged a peaceful demonstration against Governor George Natembeya’s administration.

Speaking to the media outside Bondeni market, the traders said the county government of Trans Nzoia has neglected them.

“We were evicted from Chanuka market and left stranded. The county government of Trans Nzoia under Governor George Natembeya whom we voted for overwhelmingly has ignored us and has not shown us an alternative place," a businesswoman told the press.

Another widow said their eviction is threatening their economy as well as the economy of Trans Nzoia County.

“We must sell for us to feed our children, pay their school fees, service our loans, and other bills. Now that we don’t sell our goods. We are totally paralyzed. The county as well will lose a lot of revenue,” she said.

Traders appeal for help

Duncan Wafula, a second-hand clothes seller told People Daily Digital that auctioneers visited him and took away some of his property for defaulting to pay his loan.

“Auctioneers came to my house. They took away my chairs and other belongings. We are actually suffering because we cannot attend to our daily business. Governor Natembeya you promised to liberate us, please fulfill that promise,” Wafula said.

He said rendering the more than 300 traders jobless is a serious threat to security and called on the national government to intervene to avert the looming security crisis in the cosmopolitan county.

“Our President William Ruto, we are suffering as hustlers. Our Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, you are our only hope, please give us some working space probably at Railways or Kenya Prisons land,” he pleaded.

Another widow said the eviction is likely to make some of their children drop out of school for lack of school fees.

“Because we cannot pay school fees, our children will drop out of school. Natembeya what shall we do? Will you marry us?” She asked.

The traders were evicted to pave way for the expansion of Kitale-Suam road that is under construction.

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