Fishermen in Kilifi County count losses after businesses are demolished

Moses Charo, a fisherman said the range has been going on causing them losses since they cannot sell their catch.

He cites no show of visitors since there are no longer shades and any kind of businesses taking place after the demolition.

He asked the government to hear their cries saying the beaches support people from different trades including fishermen, traders, and bodabodas.

It is alleged that one of the neighbours is behind the demolition since she always complained whenever they lit the fire to cook fish.

Margarine Atieno who worked as a cashier in a club at the beach said the demolitions have rendered her jobless. She cited the demolitions as a blow to the business as it has been paralyzed and visitors have no place to relax as they enjoy the cool breeze.

Remi Kasichana, who worked as a waiter was shocked by the demolitions since the beaches provided employment opportunities to many jobless youths who relied on the beach to earn a living.

Mohammed Mweli who witnessed the demolitions said more than 30 policemen arrived at the beach armed with a bulldozer and an FH lorry came in the middle of the night sweeping all the structures as he prepared to go fishing.

He was left with questions since he could not understand why the demolitions were going on and asked the government to intervene since the demolitions had left a lot of people puzzled.

Shukrani, a trader and witness said police started demolishing properties around the beach and they had to hide when police confronted them.

He said he was shocked questioning why their daily livelihood had to be destroyed despite their low but sustainable income from the businesses.
He said fishing equipment, beds, and mattresses were destroyed in the process.

Gilbert Peru, Sokoni ward MCA confirmed said the demolitions were illegal since no notice or court order was issued to the traders, adding that police refuted the claims that they were involved in demolishing their premises.

He said some individuals allegedly funded people to cause demolitions.

He then gave the police 24 hours to provide the names of those involved and the reasons behind the demolitions, failure to which they will hold peaceful demonstrations until the issue is addressed.

Peru wants the involved police to be transferred to other areas. He warned the community residing near the beach who want the youth to vacate that there were no court orders making the demolitions illegal.