Over 5,000 business men and women trading in Athi River town's market have decried increased insecurity at the market.
The traders said that their businesses premises were frequently broken into and their goods, wares among other property stolen by thieves.
They addressed the press at the market through their spokesman Joseph Mulei during commissioning of new stalls at the market on Wednesday.
Mulei said they suspected idle youths who play cards at the entrance of the market till very late in the evening on daily basis were involved in criminal activities at the market including the breakages and theft.
He said several women had reportedly been attacked and money, goods stolen from them late in the night while transporting goods into the market.
Mulei called on Athi River Police boss Sharma Wario to speedily intervene into the matter to avert the situation.
He said police should arrest all gamblers at the market to stop goons from playing cards as they strategize to engage in criminal activities in the area.