Six Kenyans arraigned in Uganda for robbery

Six Kenyans arrested by Ugandan authorities on Monday were yesterday charged with robbery with violence and assault.

An officer involved in the case said the six had been arrested for causing commotion in a shop across the border, but when they were taken to court, the charges changed.

Their arrest comes barely three months after members of Busia Women Cross Border Traders and Service Providers staged a protest -when Ugandan police officers threatened to arrest them if they continued crossing into the neighbouring country.

The secretary of the group, Linet Anyango, at the time demanded to know why they were being blocked from crossing into the neighbouring country, yet Ugandans were the majority at Kasarani and Soko Posta markets in Busia, Kenya.

“Ugandan police officers are not happy seeing us help our fellow Kenyans when they go to buy clothes and other products there,” said Ms Anyango.

Denied commission

Lamwo Eria Elepot, district police commander in Busia, Uganda, told The Standard that the suspects insulted a shop owner after they were denied commission on products they sold.

“Kenyan women often camp outside shops to usher in customers and help them bargain. Afterwards, they ask the owner of the shop for a commission,” said Lamwo.

He added: “On Monday, one shop owner refused to give them commission and a confrontation ensued between them.

Busia County Commissioner Jacob Narengo refused to comment on the matter.

Busia Kenya Cross Border Association chairman Charles Achieng’i said there was need for the Kenyan and Ugandan governments to resolve the issues affecting traders at the border amicably.