Residents of Kisii town have accused small scale traders; especially those selling vegetables and other groceries, of insincerity and dishonesty in their businesses.
According to them, traders have taken advantage of the demand of the goods, and are exploiting them despite the harsh economic climate experienced by majority of them.
On Sunday, most residents were of the view that the county government chips in to control the situation, by pricing the goods in bid to control the alleged exploitation.
“They are selling these necessities with a lot of impunity. I have evidence that they acquire things like tomatoes at cheap prices from Daraja Mbili market and exaggerate the prices when they reach the suburbs,” said William Omondi of Jogoo estate.
“I do not trust their prices completely. We are experiencing plenty of rains and most vegetables have sprung to life. They are conning us and the county government should introduce pricing to curb this menace,” said Victor Onyango of Mwembe.
However, traders have distanced themselves from the allegations labeled against them by their esteemed customers, instead pointing an accusing finger at the county government.
“We have not exaggerated the price and that can be verified at Daraja Mbili market. Instead, we are trading at loses given the irregular taxes we are compelled to pay by the county government,” said Esther Makori, a small scale trader at Mwembe estate.