Government apologises to traders

Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana in different moods during the commencement of Makueni Dissolution Commission Public Hearing at KICC on 23-04-15. (Photo Tabitha Otwori)

The Government has offered its apologies to the Makueni County traders whose kiosks where demolished along the Nairobi-Mombasa road.

Transport Principal Secretary John Mosonik said the demolitions were as a result of a communication breakdown between the ministry and the Kenya National Highway Authority.

KeNHA officials carried out the demolitions last Sunday despite an assurance from the Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia to Governor Kivutha Kibwana that they be halted for two weeks to allow the traders to relocate peacefully.

The demolitions took place at Malili, Salama, Sultan Hamud and Emali towns, leaving hawkers counting huge losses. "On behalf of the Transport ministry, I want to say sorry", said the PS while addressing the victims of the demolitions on Monday. "As a ministry, we will conduct an investigation as to how this occurred even after the CS had given his word to governor," he said.