Tensions high in Toi as market elections marred by dispute over legality

Two factions are conflicting regarding the exercise which other members believe is being conducted illegally.

The proponents of the polls say the exercise is long overdue and is part of the measures that will curb the perennial fire incidents at the market.

Led by their presiding officer Joseph Owino, their news market constitution has allowed them to conduct the exercise to stem sanity in the market which currently is under disputed leadership.

" Market elections were supposed to be conducted last year but some other camps have been raising lame excuses to postpone the polls", posed Mr. Owino.

The exercise currently being held at the Toi mosque has also raised concerns from other members regarding the choice of place who argue it should be conducted at a neutral place.

"We rented this place since it is spacious to accommodate even the pregnant women and those who are unwell who cannot squeeze themselves at the busy market," said Owino.

Kibra sub-county commissioner Abas Mohamed described the exercise as illegal noting that it has not been approved by the county government of Nairobi.

Ironically, the exercise underway at the mosque is being guarded by police led by Kibra OCS Ibrahim Ahmed. 

The opposers of the exercise have vowed to reject the results saying the move is meant to incite traders along ethnic lines.