Eldoret businesses remain closed as hawkers, county askaris battle in CBD

A spot check by The Standard revealed that as at 4pm, majority of the businesses had not opened as goons took advantage of the situation and went on a looting spree in several shops and a supermarket.

CCTV footage showed unidentified men stealing from Eldomat supermarket located next to Kenya Power Office about 70 metres away from Eldoret Central Police Station as the situation turned into lawlessness.

Evan Too, a trader in CBD said trouble ensued when a team of county askaris stopped traders selling fruits on trolleys.

He said moments later, police were called to quell the tensions, but hawkers sought help from street families in chasing away the police and county askaris.

"I have closed my business for several hours now after the clash between hawkers and street families and the police held the town hostage. It is a bad day, we are counting losses," he said.

He said it was unfortunate goons had taken advantage of the situation to break into several shops where they looted valuable items.