Traders in Kisumu are counting losses after Kenya Railways bulldozers demolished houses and business stalls built on land the State Corporation says belongs to it.
The affected trader's chairperson and prominent Kisumu businessman George Opande said on Tuesday the bulldozers arrived at the land as early as 4 am before the demolition operation exercise kicked off under tight security.
Attempts by traders to stop the exercise was thwarted as police officers who escorted Kenya Railways officials repulsed them.
Opande said he lost property worth close to Sh10 million as a result. Among houses demolished include a stories house belonging to Opande which housed salons, retail shops, barber shops and a supermarket.
He said traders had lodged a case in court to stop the demolition until they are given a written notice but Kenya Railways proceeded to bring down the structures before court determined the case.
"We were not given any notice and we have been promptly paying rent to Kenya Railways," Opande said adding that they were willing to leave the land. He, however, said the traders should have been given the legal three months period to relocate.
Kenya Railways said it wants to clear the land to pave way for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway that is expected to be extended to Kisumu from Nakuru.