Traders affected by Thursday’s fire at the Gikomba market in Nairobi County are counting more losses after their houses were demolished Friday night in what they allege is a ploy by the government to forcefully evict them.
Many families that lived at the Gorofani area inside the large open-air market were left homeless as bulldozers pulled down their houses on Friday night, leaving them to spend the night in the cold.
They claim the demolitions were undertaken by recruits from the National Youth Service (NYS) in the cover of darkness.
They are now accusing the government of not giving them adequate notice to vacate adding that 10,000 shillings pledged by the government as compensation for the affected traders are not enough to restart their businesses.
Get breaking news on your Mobile as-it-happens. SMS ‘NEWS’ to 20153
Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho on Thursday said the government had plans to develop an ultra-modern market for traders in Gikomba.
The new facility he said will have enhanced security including installation of CCTV cameras and construction of a perimeter wall around the market.
Tell Us What You Think
Related reporting
More General News →
Eldoret Airport Smuggling Expose: Millions Lost as Gadgets Flow Illegally to Ethiopia
Raila Odinga’s Sister Beryl Achieng Has Died, Family Confirms
Karen Hospital Moves to Court Over Sh25 Million Bill for 83-Year-Old Patient
