Ruto-Natembeya showdown leaves traders stranded after 24-hr eviction notice

The traders were slapped with a 24-hour eviction notice on Monday, with the county government invalidating the allocations spearheaded by President William Ruto less than a fortnight ago.

The market remained empty for the better part of Tuesday, with the show of might between the President and the Governor threatening to bring business activities in Kitale to a standstill.

An eerie silence befell the Masinde Muliro Business Park on Tuesday morning. Pockets of traders gathered in separate parts of the complex, which has been under heavy protection for nearly one week.

While on a development tour of the Western region in mid-October, President William Ruto officiated the opening of the market, ushering in thousands of traders. Two weeks later, the county government slapped them with a 24-hour eviction notice.

“Inaleta mchanganiko na mtafaruku kwa sababu inakanganya wale wenye walikuwa wameshaweka kazi hapa na wanaendelea na kazi,” Kapchanga Manyoa, a trader in Kitale, said. 

The county government has laid claim to the market, saying that no occupation certificate has been granted. It has, however, said that stalls will be allocated in due course, but within the parameters of the law.

“Watu ambao county ilipatia letter of offer sio watu wenye wako ndani ya hiyo market saa hii. Wale watu ambao wako hapo ndani ya hiyo market saa hii, sisi wenyewe hatuwajui," Pius Gumo, the county executive committee member for lands, housing and physical planning, noted. 

The construction of the 3,000-capacity market was initiated in 2017 by the county government. 

President Ruto had announced a Ksh.56 million boost to finalise the works and allow traders to operate in dignified working conditions.

For now, the battle between Governor Natembeya and the President has left the traders under the scorching sun, with the dream of a decent market so near yet so far.