The Namanga border[photo/theeastafrican.co.ke]
Kenyan traders at the Namanga border town are up in arms over alleged harassment by Tanzanian police officers.
The escalating business rivalry between Kenyans and Tanzanians at the border point has prompted intervention by security agencies before the matter gets out of hand.
The crisis meeting held at the town on Monday followed after traders raised the alarm of intense rivalry amid low business in the lucrative town.
Addressing the aggrieved businesspersons, Kajiado county commissioner David Kipkemei said preliminary investigations indicate that Tanzanian police officers have played a key role in fueling animosity among traders of the two neighboring countries.
It’s unfortunate that police officers who are meant to ensure peace and harmony prevail are at the center stage of conflicts between traders who have in the past enjoyed mutual co-existence.
We have received numerous complaints from Kenyan traders and evidently found out that the business environment has turned hostile,’’said Kipkemei.
Kenyan traders had launched complains that they were being denied access to sell their wares across the border and that they were being denied to buy goods for sale in Tanzania despite complying with regulations.
It is understood several Kenyans were arrested, detained and charged by Tanzanian police officers.
“We have enjoyed peaceful co-existence and lucrative business for years. As security agents we will not relent in ensuring we follow up the matter and bring culprits to book,’’said Kipkemei.
He said security team from Tanzania have also been called for an urgent meeting scheduled by the end of this week.
Local traders said Tanzanian police officers were harassing them and asking for bribes for one to cross the border with merchandise that they had already paid tax for.
“Kenyans who depend on Tanzania goods for business are not in business anymore.
Since the Tanzanian government auctioned cattle belonging to Maa herders who were looking for pasture in the country last year, bitter rivalry has been witnessed among the two countries.