Members of business community on Saturday accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i of dictatorship, arguing that he never respects the law.

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In an interview with the media, Borabu business community chairman Samuel Onderi claimed police harassed those who opened businesses past 5pm.

He accused Dr Matiang'i of living in 'isolation', adding that his approach is unacceptable under the current constitutional dispensation.

"Census is not a compulsory exercise. It's absurd that police were instructed to harass those who were still manning their businesses.

"We lost millions due to unnecessary dictatorship. We condemn his uncouth approach. You can't force people to participate in voluntary exercises," he said.

A quick check in Keroka, Nyansiongo and Chebilat town on Saturday evening established that police patrolled all areas, forcing businesses to close down.

Joel Morumbwa, a bar owner, said he lost thousands following the order by Dr Matiang'i. He wondered why census officials could not visit his promises and count customers.

"We lost thousands. Our customers were forced out. What if they went and locked their doors? It's not appropriate to coerce people. They would have as well counted here," he said.

Dr Matiang'i ordered closure of entertainment joints for the entire weekend, arguing that the move would give enumerators easy Rome to count people.

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