Tension mounts as hawkers moved

The Nakuru County Government yesterday began the first phase of relocating hawkers who had illegally occupied the town's central business district for years amid heightened tension.

Hundreds of anti-riot police officers who had been called to supervise county askaris conducting the 2am demolition were forced to hurl tear gas canisters to disperse hawkers who resisted the exercise.

"Where are we going to now? We need an alternative trading space," said a trader who requested anonymity.

Police kept vigil as askaris brought down structures along Gusii, Pandit Nehru and Baringo roads. County lorries were on standby to transport the demolished structures to the county government's yard.

Hawkers will now be operating from Nasha's Square bus park opposite the Nakuru main bus terminus. The park used to host matatus plying Kuvumbini, Phase 2 and Langalanga routes.

Yesterday morning, Biashara Ward Member of County Assembly Stephen Kuria led askaris in demarcating spaces in the newly created area.

"Those resisting relocation have their own hidden motives.This is public land certificated by the Government and no one should mislead hawkers for their own selfish political gains. Every trader will get space," he said.

Kuria explained that matatus that used to park on the 2.5-acre Nasha's Square, which will now accommodate about 1,000 hawkers, will get new space at the Railway's bus terminus and Backstreet area near Taidy's along Gusii road.

Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria yesterday unsuccessfully led a protest to the Nakuru OCPD's offices against police deployment.

"I will not allow removal of hawkers from the streets until a market complex is constructed for them. If they are removed without a clear way forward, I will sue the governor for defying a court order," said Gikaria.

High Court Judge Abigael Mshillah last month issued an order barring the county from evicting hawkers until a petition they had filed against their removal is heard and determined tomorrow.