Nakuru traders protest against demolition of their kiosks

Traders block the main highway in Nakuru Wednesday in protest against demolition of their kiosks.  [PHOTO: BONFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

By MERCY KAHENDA

NAKURU: Traders Wednesday blocked the main highway in Nakuru to protest against the demolition of their kiosks.

More than 300 traders claimed that the county government had demolished the structures located along the highway without issuing them with a notice.

Maina Matoka, one of the traders, said they woke up in the morning and found all the kiosks demolished.

“We are all operating here legally because we pay monthly fees to the county. It is inhuman for the leaders to demolish our investment without informing us,” said Matoka.

The angry traders demonstrated along the main highway carrying placards and causing a heavy traffic jam. Anti-riot police officers had to lob tear gas canisters to disperse the traders.

The officers then cleared the road that had been barricaded with stones.

Francis Njoroge, London ward member of county assembly (MCA) faulted the county government for demolishing the kiosks without consulting the traders.

Njoroge said most of the traders are 2007 post-election victims who depend on the business to earn a living.

AVOID CRIME

“County leaders are always encouraging residents to engage in income generating activities to avoid crime. It is wrong for the same government to demolish small traders’ structures without proper strategies,” said Njoroge.

Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama assessed the damage and promised to donate iron sheets for erection of new structures along the highway.

He faulted police officers for demolishing the structures and harassing innocent traders.

“The country is facing high rate of unemployment that has seen youths indulge in criminal activities. Business people should be encouraged because it is a source of income,” he said.

However, Nakuru County Secretary Joseph Motari informed The Standard on phone that the demolition was conducted following an order by Roads and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau last year that all structures illegally erected near roads be demolished.

“Those structures are erected along the highway illegally and as a county, we had to demolish them. However, we are holding a meeting with all stakeholders to find a way forward,” said Motari.