Traders in Kakamega County are counting losses after a money tussle at a Kakamega market during a visit by one gubernatorial aspirant in the region. Addressing the press, through their chairman Bernard Oundo, the traders said that a visit by a UK based business woman Marble Muruli to the market did more harm than good after traders were injured and goods were destroyed as they scrambled for cash they were given.
Oundo blamed Marble for not being able to control her security detail, who were involved in the melee and allegedly snatched the money she had given the traders. The Kakamega county traders have now warned politicians who intend to campaign in marketplaces to follow the set procedure put in place. Oundo said that they do not bar politicians from campaigning in marketplaces but they will condone losses and injuries, or chaotic gatherings.
He said that they were disappointed with Muruli since they had given her the procedures but she decided to do things her own way, leading to injuries and losses. Mrs. Muruli visited the traders in an effort to win votes and gave Kshs. 30 000 as an incentive to the traders, the money was later stolen by goons who left scores injured.
The chairman said that he had informed the politician about 31 different groups of traders, and expected her to issue the money to the specific leaders and not in a crowd as she did.
He demanded that Muruli caters for all the losses and injuries incurred during her visit, or else she shouldn’t visit markets in the County for campaigns again.
Mathias Keya who received the money said that though Muruli had tight security, she didn’t use it to ensure that the money she gave to traders was safe. Keya whose trouser was cut by a sharp object by the goons reveals that he sustained injuries on his fingers and thighs.
He says that all the money given to him was stolen and his personal belongings including his ID card, bank documents, voters card and money were snatched.
The Kakamega county traders treasurer Beatrice Mukasia, said that politicians with interests of meeting women should organize such meetings in hotels or secluded places and not bus stages where there are many people, given that women are weak and cannot fight against goons.
She added that they will support a leader who will respect them and not people who throw money at them with the notion that they are desperate. Women leader Margaret Isanda said that she was disappointed with the action calling upon the leader to consider taking responsibility for the actions. Isanda said that she will mobilize the people to support a leader who will take care of the traders’ interests only.