Traders operating along the road reserve adjacent to Kenya Railways Corporation land in Kitale town are counting heavy losses after a joint midnight eviction operation left their stalls and businesses in ruins.
The sweep, conducted with an abrupt notice, was carried out by officers from the Kenya Railways Police Unit based in Eldoret and Nakuru, working jointly with Trans Nzoia County Government askaris.
By dawn, dozens of structures had been flattened, with traders returning to find their stock destroyed, stalls burnt, or property looted.
Frustrated business owners condemned the manner in which the eviction was executed, terming it inhumane and unconstitutional.
“The force that was used to demolish our businesses, including torching and exposure to looting, violates our rights as traders,” said Ms. Esther Bunyadi**, who operated a food kiosk.
Furniture makers, who were among the worst affected, reported extensive damage and theft of merchandise and raw materials.
“We are counting losses. Some of our furniture was burnt in the process, as if we are some crooks, yet we are just harmless traders fending for our families,” said Mr. Nambacha, a furniture operator.
The Trans Nzoia County branch chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mr. Titus Kilong’i, criticized the demolition, noting that such abrupt and forceful actions undermine economic growth in the town.
“It’s very, very unfair for both levels of government to launch such an attack on traders yet claim to support the growth of businesses,” said Mr. Kilong’i.
Following the operation, the county government relocated the affected traders to another road reserve near Trans-Nzoia Water and Sewerage Company (TransWasco).
