Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa has called out Governor Kimani Wamatangi over hawkers' evictions on Thika streets.
Thika street hawkers have been given notice to vacate by the Kiambu county government as it seeks to have the town elevated to a city status.
Thang'wa told the Star on Tuesday the hawkers are an integral part of the hustler nation who voted for them.
"Hawkers form an integral part of the hustler nation. We are, because they are," he said.
The senator said the tag of war between Kiambu governor and hawkers should be solved amicably.
He proposed that the county government designates streets and places and establish night markets, time systems and resources for hawkers across major towns in the county.
Governor Wamatangi on Monday made an impromptu night visit in Thika town where he met with the hawkers and discussed with them and agreed to hold a meeting with them to find a lasting solution.
"Every trader counts. I am working towards an amicable solution for all Thika traders, those who display their wares on the streets (hawkers), and in shops. First, I visited the traders in Thika, and scheduled a meeting with them, " Wamatangi said.
In a seven-day notice issued by Thika subcounty administrator John Mungai, any hawkers found selling their wares along the streets and walkways will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The letter copied to Thika deputy county commissioner Mbogo Mathioya and police indicates that the town is congested due to the influx of hawkers.
The hawkers said they operate in the evenings and that has been the agreement with the last three regimes of county government.
"Hawking is our only source of living and kicking us out of town will render us jobless. We need to have a sit down with the governor and find a solution," Ann Njambi a hawker said.
The hawkers however said they are not opposed to raising the town standards but the county government should find amicable solutions of relocating them.
-Edited by SKanyara
