Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura has opposed plans by the county government of Kisumu to evict hawkers along major streets in the city.
Obura said eviction should be done after proper consultation between different stakeholders.
He said the county government should first avail relocation space for the hawkers before the planned eviction.
“The county government should first tell us where the hawkers will be relocated to because we don’t want a situation where hawkers will be stranded after the eviction,” he said.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu on Wednesday over the intended relocation, Obura said he will defend his people without favour or fear.
He said the hawkers are hard working citizens of this country and are contributing immensely in the economy of the national and county governments.
“I will continue defending my people, I will not allow a county government who should care for its people to come and start forceful eviction without any possible relocation space,” he said.
The MP made it clear that he is not against the eviction that will bring order along the streets but want it done in a humane way, thereby giving an alternative option for the affected hawkers.
“These hawkers have families who depend on them for education and other family obligations and should be handled with a lot of care,” he said.