Dispute on market rages as Kabogo tells off legislators

The row over the reconstruction of Madaraka market in Thika, which was burned down by unknown people on Saturday night, has intensified. Governor William Kabogo has now criticised some legislators in the county, led by Senator Kimani Wamatangi, for marshalling traders in rebuilding the market.

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo (left) speaking with Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria at Thika stadium recently. Kabogo has told off a section of Kiambu MPs led by Senator Kimani Wamatangi for helping traders to reconstruct Madaraka market which was torched down by goons on Saturday night saying it was the work of the county government to rebuild the market and not the MPs. (PHOTO: KAMAU MAICHUHIE/ STANDARD)

Addressing journalists during the official launch of Tatu City Industrial Park in Ruiru, Mr Kabogo said the role of building and renovating the market was the prerogative of the county government and told the MPs to keep off.

"The role of MPs is not to build markets but to legislate. They should respect the Constitution, which has clearly stipulated the duties of the national and county governments," said Kabogo.

On Monday, traders who had the backing of Mr Wamatangi, Thika MP Alice Ng'ang'a, Ferdinand Waititu (Kabete) and Ngewa Member of County Assembly Karungo wa Thang'wa, started to reconstruct the market.

But the governor said the county government would not allow MPs and traders to take up its role of reconstructing the market since it had neither refused nor failed to do so.

"What the MPs are doing is just seeking political mileage out of a sad matter that has befallen our traders, which is unacceptable," he said.

The governor also added a new twist to what may have led to the arson attack on the market, attributing it to a cartel.

"Two weeks ago, the cartel came to the county government demanding to be given the market but we declined. Immediately, we heard the market had been torched," he said, adding the county would ensure the cartel is dismantled. Kabogo said the county in conjunction with the World Bank has a long-term goal to reconstruct the market into an ultra-modern facility at a cost of Sh100 million, adding he feared the bank might opt to withdraw because of the dispute.

However, the leaders said they would not keep away from the market since they were there to stand in solidarity with traders who incurred huge losses following the arson attack.

They donated 400 iron-sheets and warned police officers against harassing the traders.

"We will help you to rebuild the market and when we do so, the county government will never set foot here to ask for any levies," said Ms Ng'ang'a.