Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori has called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to temporarily halt the ongoing demolitions at Ibiza market in Ukunda, Kwale County.
Several structures at the market were brought down by KeNHA following demolitions that started on April 16.
Matuga MP Kassim Sawa Tandaza's office in Kwale County has been demolished.
The office is among several other structures that were brought down by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) following the ongoing demolitions on Monday.
A perimeter wall belonging to Waa Boys High School was as well not spared as the authority seeks to expand the Likoni - Ukunda - Lunga Lunga Highway in Mombasa and Kwale countiesSpeaking as he engaged traders at Ibiza market, Dori said the market had over 400 people who would be rendered jobless once their structures are destroyed.
"I request KeNHA to delay the demolitions at the market so we can find alternative space since the market has more than 400 vendors," he said amid cheers from the vendors.
He also gave the traders a word of hope and staying positive that KeNHA would accept his request for extension. In a press release, KeNHA said it issued a public notice on February 2015 while sensitization meetings were held between 20th and 27th June 2016.
"Between 23rd March and 4th April 2018, the Authority conducted more public forums to inform the public on the impending demolitions exercise at the following locations; Ujumaa, Ng'ombeni, Waa, Ukunda and Msambweni," said KeNHA in a press release dated April 16.
The authority's assistant director in charge of communications Charles Njogu further appealed to members of the public encroaching on roads that they should take caution.
According to Msambweni MP, the traders were not opposed to the expansion of the road.
"Our vendors are supportive of the idea of the road expansion and have accepted to be relocated."