Traders at Lukusi Market, located at the border between Mihuu and Ndivisi wards in Webuye East Constituency, have declared they will no longer pay taxes due to the poor state of infrastructure. They have given the Bungoma County government a one-week ultimatum to address their concerns.
Geoffrey Namisi Murumba, one of the traders, expressed his frustration, stating, “We pay taxes, but we do not get the services we deserve. The market lacks security lighting, there’s no access to clean water, and it’s becoming difficult for us to run our businesses.”
The traders also pointed out that the road linking Lugulu to the market is in terrible condition, making access nearly impossible. “We’ve been promised repairs for years, but nothing has been done. We demand action now!” Murumba added.
Additionally, the traders are calling for the demolition of abandoned main shops at the market, which have become havens for criminals. “These abandoned shops are being used by thieves who target us. It’s unsafe, and we are losing our hard-earned money to these criminals,” Murumba lamented.
The chairman of the Lukusi Market, Stephen Wafula Khakina, has urged traders to withhold tax payments until their issues are resolved. “We will not pay any taxes until our demands are met. The county government must take action immediately,” Wafula declared.
He also called on local leaders to intervene. “We need our leaders to stand with us and address the challenges we face every day in this market,” he appealed.
