Face off as Oparanya leads town demolitions

County enforcement officers demolish kiosks structures build on the road reserve in Kakamega town on January 3, 2020. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya came face to face with rogue matatu operators and traders in Kakamega town where he led demolition of structures illegally erected. 

He walked for hours during the clean-up of the town for the second day yesterday. Mr Oparanya threatened to sack county officials who have been colluding with traders to erect illegal structures.

“I know we have employed corrupt officers who collect bribes from the traders to be allowed to operate from prohibited areas, I will lead the demolition of the structures until we bring sanity in the town," he said.

The governor wondered why the matatu operators have deserted the multi-million bus terminus to congest the streets.

He directed that all saloon cars be parked at a designated site near Bukhungu stadium.

The governor on notice traders who have leased out county kiosks at Sh5,000 yet they have defaulted paying Sh1,500 monthly levy.

He directed traders operating from the streets to go back to the main market.