Popular Lwang’ni beach eateries flattened – Photos

The aftermath of the overnight demolitions of the food joints. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Eateries along Lwang’ni Beach -- the face of Kisumu’s Lake Victoria shores – were last night demolished.

The eateries famed for their fish delicacy were flattened following an eviction notice from Kenya Railways who own the land. The over 30 attracted thousands of tourists to the lakeside city to its booming tilapia business and boat rides.

The demolition is expected to pave way for the expansion of Kisumu Port ahead of its commissioning by President Uhuru Kenyatta next month.

The traders had been given a month-long notice to vacate the land or be forcefully removed.

Traders try to collect what is left of their businesses. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

“In accordance with the provisions of the short leases and temporary occupation licenses executed between Kenya Railways and yourself, which states that ‘Either party may terminate this agreement/term of lease at any time during the subsistence of the tenancy by giving one-month notice in writing’, you are therefore given one-month notice to vacate your business out of Kenya Railways land to pave way for revitalization, expansion and operationalization of Kisumu Port,” the notice read in part.

It went on: “Failure to comply will compel the corporation to forcefully evict and take over possession and Kenya Railways will not bear any liability for any loss and damage. Please be advised accordingly to avoid embarrassment.”

Kenya Railways had warned that those who fail to comply with the eviction notice would be forcefully removed. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

The notice signed by Kenya Railway acting Managing Director Phillip Mainga was received by a lot of scepticism with most of the traders doubting its authenticity.

According to the chairman of the traders at the beach Yukabeth Mitowo, each eatery often employs between six and 25 workers.