Traders in Rhonda estate have accused the county government of Nakuru of maliciously damaging their stalls.
Speaking in the wake of a demolition exercise to expand roads in the area, the traders blamed the county Roads department for not giving them a notice so as to prevent the losses they allegedly incurred after their stalls and food kiosks were flattened.
Maritha Kemunto said that much as they were supporting the county's initiative to renovate roads in the area through expansion such destruction of property was unwarranted.
"We firmly endorse the project but to destroy our only means of livelihood when we are asleep is not only inhuman but also very barbaric," she said.
Paul Mbugua whose kiosk was partly destroyed said had earlier communication been done, then the destruction would have been avoided.
"I am disappointed that a whole ministry cannot issue notices. I have lost everything here due to their negligence and sadistic tendencies," he said.
The destruction is alleged to have occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.
The traders, however, promised to stay put and construct new structures until the county government showed them an alternative piece of land to conduct business.
The road expansion exercise was undertaken by the county government two weeks ago and seeks to expand the Shabab-Rhonda primary road and other feeder roads in the area.