As the dispute drags on, thousands of traders remain locked out, counting losses and uncertain about when they will be allowed to resume business inside the market built to accommodate them.
The standoff over access to the newly completed Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, escalated on Tuesday, with the county government and security agencies maintaining their positions over who should occupy the facility.
As the dispute drags on, thousands of traders remain locked out, counting losses and uncertain about when they will be allowed to resume business inside the market built to accommodate them.
More than 2,000 traders spent another day outside Masinde Muliro Market after anti-riot police officers barred them from accessing the facility.
The standoff heightened tensions and disrupted business activities as frustrated traders demanded entry, insisting that a court ruling had cleared the way for them to resume operations.
Tabitha Moraa, a trader in Kitale, said traders were not interested in prolonged arguments but simply wanted access to the market to continue earning a living.
However, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Trade Janerose Mutama questioned claims that the county government had directed some traders to stay outside while allowing others to occupy the market.
“Ni nani wako kwa hizo maduka? Kwa sababu wafanyibiashara wanasema ya kwamba sisi tumewaambia wakae kando wangojee tutawapanga…
