Traders in Garissa County took to the streets to protest against the county government’s decision to demolish their stalls.
The traders who are counting loses after their stalls were demolished said they were shocked to find their property destroyed during the demolition exercise.
They marched to the county offices seeking an audience with Governor Ali Korane.
Demanding compensation and alternative site to carry their businesses, they questioned why the demolition exercise was carried at night.
One of the traders, Habiba Mohamed, said hundreds of families have suffered huge losses after their valuable properties were destroyed.
Mohamed said the area had created employment for most people especially women and now the county has destroyed their only source of livelihood.
“We have children, some of us are taking care of orphans, they destroyed all our stock. As I speak, I have nothing to cook for my children,” said Mohamed as quoted by The Standard
Garissa County Municipal board Abdirahman Shale however said the traders were given notice to move at least 100m from the road out of the area or face eviction but failed to do so.
The Garissa county askaris conducted the exercise to clear all structures on road reserves after the six months’ notice expired.