Kakamega market traders worried as thugs break into shops at night

According to the traders, security guards manning the market have been attacked by thugs, two of which died.

"Two security guards have been killed for the last two months. We fear we could be attacked too," said Geoffrey Wekesa, the market chairman.

The traders said they have reported the matter to the police and to other relevant authorities, but no action has been taken to correct the situation.  

"A security guard was killed a few days ago. We fear we may be attacked as well.  That is why we want the police to come in and help," said Caroline Lucia, a trader at the market.

"This market is only a few meters from Kakamega police station, surprisingly shops are being robbed, people are getting killed, yet nothing has been done to stop these incidents," she said.

The traders fear things might get worse especially following President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive banning trade on scrap metal which has been a source of livelihood for many youths in the area. 

Scrap metal business is said to have employed more than 200 youths in Kakamega.

This means that suspension of the trade has left many young people unemployed, with many resorting to stealing.