Tension was high in Korehey market in Garissa town on the better part of Tuesday morning following reports that hawkers and traders operating within the market area would be ejected.
The traders operating within the marketplace said they will oppose any plans to have them relocated, disclosing that the exercise is an initiative of powerful land cartels within the executive.
"We shall not move out of this market place. We have operated here for years now and we shall not get out. This is a scam project of powerful individuals, they want to grab this land," said Abdi Gulet, a fruit vendor.
However, information from the governor who arrived at the scene moments later indicated that the initiative was meant to expand the market place.
He denied reports that the traders would be ejected, saying his government was contemplating on converting local government houses into business stalls in order to accommodate more traders and improve the hygienic conditions in the commercial area.
"The county government intends to upgrade this market place and expand it further so as to improve sanitation here. We are not ejecting anybody," governor Ali Korane said to a charged crowd.