More than two thousand traders from Chebukube market along the Bungoma-Musikoma road took to the streets and marched up to the Bungoma Governor’s office to complain of an eviction notice to pave way for a dual carriage construction on the road. Led by their chairman John Waliaula the business people expressed their anger saying they were shocked after a group of people from the national government visited the market and issued them an eviction notice saying construction works will start soon.
He said as much as the project is good they aren’t willing to vacate yet, given that some land that had previously been set aside for them had been secretly sold off to a private developer who is planning to start construction works. His sentiments were echoed by fellow traders who said Chebkube market is the leading tax revenue production centre in the whole of Bungoma County yet issues affecting the traders aren’t fully addressed. They also reminded the Governor that he had pledged to waive taxes on small-scale traders during his campaign but their situation has grown worse since they are being harassed by County officers.
Bungoma Governor Wangamati who listened keenly to their grievances promised to engage the national government to ensure the traders are safely settled elsewhere before the construction begins. He further said he will engage the private developer on the land acquired so as to arrive at an amicable solution on the issue of the ownership of the land.