Kisumu traders count loses as business premises are brought down

By Peter Ochieng

Sections of traders in Kisumu on Wednesday morning woke up to bad news.

The traders who operated businesses within Ofafa Hall along the busy Kisumu - Kakamega highway are counting loses, after their business premises were brought down last night.

It is not clear who caused the damage, but fingers are pointing towards the Kisumu City management.

The Ofafa premises is in the control of the Luo council of Elders, registered Kerr Nyandiko's wing.

The demolition comes in the wake of a court order restraining Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga and the county government of Kisumu from carrying out demolitions within Ofafa Hall.

Demolitions were also witnessed at Nyamlori market last night, where a gate and toilets were brought down.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports ground on 1st June, 2023, Abala Wanga said he would ensure all informal structures are brought down.

He said traders in the Lakeside City have to relocate and occupy spaces allocated to them at the Uhuru Business Centre.

Reacting to the demolitions, lawyer Joshua Odhiambo Nyamori said Kisumu as a City will outlive the tenure of Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o and Wanga.

"In the meantime, we will ensure they are held accountable for the ongoing atrocities," he said.

He said they treat the demolitions as defiance in the face of a subsisting court order.