Governor Kenneth Lusaka has emphasised that the recent demolitions in Bungoma town were part of a larger plan to revamp and improve the urban area.
He assured that consultations were held with elected leaders and traders were notified beforehand.
"I agree that maybe moving forward, more consultations need to be done, but honestly we met all these leaders and agreed that it was the right way to go," Lusaka said during a stakeholders’ forum on Friday.
"We want the best for our people, and what you are seeing is part of the larger scheme to see the best of our town.”
While stressing that there would be no compromise on encroachment of public land, Lusaka promised alternative locations for small-scale traders affected by the demolitions.
"We are at the tail end of acquiring land to resettle the small-scale traders," he said.
He urged residents to refrain from occupying public land, warning that the government will take action. The governor also agreed to form a committee to address the concerns of affected traders.
Lusaka said he is firm on his vision of transforming Bungoma into a city, highlighting the need for a proper facelift.
On Tuesday, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli faulted the county government of Bungoma for the ongoing demolitions to decongest the town and pave the way for the expansion of roads.
Wakoli alleged that the county government did not involve everybody before the demolition exercise.
“The county government would have considered engaging all traders before demolishing their stalls, these are the people who contribute greatly to revenue collection and growth of Bungoma,” Wakoli said.
“Developments must happen in Bungoma but now some of the CECs aren’t cooperative even getting them on the phone is a problem."
The Ford Kenya Senator further termed the demolitions as inhumane.
Several traders are reportedly counting losses after their stalls and shops were flattened in the demolitions.
Boda Boda riders have lamented that the ongoing demolitions have made them lose their daily livelihoods
The agitated riders wondered if the demolitions were part of what President William Ruto promised as a bottom-up economy.
The boda boda riders called out the President and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula for failing to protect the interests of the people who voted for the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
