Huruma MCA reacts after 7 day closure of retail market
A section of Eldomat bakery that was Thursday invaded by unknown people and property of unknown valued looted/James Gitaka
By Hubzmedia Reporter
Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi has condemned the skirmishes that involved County Askaris, hawkers and street urchins in Eldoret, Two days ago.
The Skirmishes that have been condemned by The Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor John Barorot and the County Commissioner Eddyson Nyale led to massive looting and destruction of properties within the Central Business District.
“I want to condemn with the strongest terms possible the skirmishes that were witnessed in Eldoret town on Thursday when I was outside the County for official duties ,the skirmishes were uncalled for and ill intended we continue to urge for calmness even as the County Government rolls out a seven day operation in what has been termed as sanitizing Eldoret town ,” Said the Huruma Ward MCA.
The ward representative noted that it was unfortunate that traders within the 64 Champions retail market and other business people within the CBD were exposed to teargas and theft of their property from criminal gangs and this has left many business owners including the owner of Eldomat that suffered the biggest loss fearing to go on with the normal activities.
“I have visited the proprietor and the staff of Eldomat bakery that trended everywhere with pictures of people looting, I must say that the staff are still in shock, many lost their personal belongings , their lives were threatened, its their hope that justice will be served they deserve a compensation for their loss,”Noted the Huruma ward MCA.
He has assured Eldoret Residents that he will stand with the rights of those affected and ensure that they get justice.
“Your elected me to fight for you and I promise to ensure that everyone gets justice. This issue of using violence to solve problems is uncalled for but we should embrace dialogue and solve any disputes arising peacefully.”
The MCA also noted that the hand cart operators popularly referred to as “bang bang’ were allowed to sell their products outside the Retail market by the former Governor Jackson Mandago but it is claimed they were issued with notices that did not stipulate where they were then supposed to carry on with their business.
“Before elections all bang bang were brought back and traders were told to work within the CBD by the then governor Mandago despite their political affiliations, but now they are being harassed for reasons no one seems to know if it’s not political ”He Added.
Wanjohi has promised to push for a policy that will allow traders to sell their products in designated areas within the CBD in order to continue paying for their revenues .
“There should be a policy that will better help address the kind of challenges we have been experiencing between traders and County enforcement officers, As a county we need to ensure that the small traders are provided with a conducive business environment and that is the policy of the President and his administration “Said Huruma MCA.
“We urge president William Ruto to intervene ,Traders using wheelbarrows and bang bang are the true hustlers he has vowed to empower and protect ,and its unfortunate that The Uasin Gishu County Government has resulted to use of excessive force against the hustlers who have faithfully been paying county revenue to carry out their businesses ,dialogue should be embraced in order to continue supporting livelihood for our people as well as create the much needed business environment that will attract investors in the Presidents backyard” He said
The MCA has called on Governor Jonathan Bii to reduce the market closure days from seven as stated to at least three days since most of the traders at the Retail market have been left helpless as they watch their perishable goods rot.
The Uasin Gishu deputy Governor John Barorot has promised that the County Government will sanitize the Retail Market within seven days .
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