• The demos began early Wednesday morning with traders singing and chanting Abala must go.
• However, leaders from the different markets claimed that they will not participate nor have traders be part of the demos within the CBD.
Leaders from various markets within Kisumu have distanced themselves from the ongoing demos by a section of traders along the streets of Kisumu. https://rb.gy/92euh0
Image: FAITH MATETE
Leaders from various markets within Kisumu have distanced themselves from the ongoing demos by a section of traders along the streets of Kisumu.
The demos began early Wednesday morning with traders singing and chanting Abala must go.
However, leaders from the different markets claimed that they will not participate nor have traders be part of the demos within the CBD.
The leaders represent Uhuru Business market, Kibuye, Chichwa, Jubilee and Nyamlori markets among others.
Kibuye market chair Judith Matengo (Nyaramba) claimed that the demos were being spearheaded by various cartels for their own selfish gains and not for the interest of the traders.
Matengo noted that businesses were going on as usual and those on the streets were not genuine traders.
She said it's January and people are busy with school fees and most traders cannot afford to leave their businesses to participate in such activities.
"We have markets, stalls conducive environment and peace, we were given stalls for free and even some of those in the demos have more than two stalls, what more do they want?" Matengo asked.
Chichwa market chair Mildred Atieno added that they will not participate in the demos and will not be part of it.
"There is no member of mine that is in the streets, everybody is working and we are saying that those who have issues should seek audience with the relevant bodies and not disrupt our businesses," she said.
Nyamlori market chairman Maurice Onono noted that incitement against business persons should not be allowed.
He said traders should listen to their leaders and not outsiders out to destabilise them.
Onono added that they had consultations with the city and all traders within the area were given spaces at the Uhuru business mark.
"They should all leave and go to their designated areas of business where there is security, water and electricity, what more do they need?" he posed.
They all agreed to remove their stalls to pave way for this hence we are looking for stalls for them and this is the way to go," he said adding that the traders should embrace peace.
Betty Akinyi, a trader from Uhuru Business market noted that they were saved from the streets by city Manager Abala Wanga after they were demolished and removed from Oile Park years back before he came into office.
Akinyi said it's unfortunate that some traders who have stalls within the market still go on the streets to sell claiming they have nowhere to go.
She said before they were moved to the market, public participation was done at Social Centre where they requested for six months before they could move from the streets.
"After six months we left the streets and now we are at the market, which has electricity, water and even security. So I call upon other traders not to be used for things they don't know," Akinyi added.
Kisumu East ODM chairman Robert Otugo warned that they will not allow the peace within the city be destabilised.
Otuge claimed that a section of UDA sympathisers were behind the demos and people should not fall prey to them.