Kakamega traders wait with bated breath after suing Governor Oparanya

Traders will on Monday know whether to reconstruct their businesses when the High Court makes a determination on a petition filed against the Kakamega government-backed demolitions.

Seventy traders backed by Lugari MP Ayub Savula last week filed a notice of motion at the High Court for orders to stop the demolitions and allow them to return to their business sites.

The suit has been placed before Justice William Musyoki for directions. The traders are led by the Kakamega Market Traders Association chairman Christopher Barasa.

According to court papers, the traders want a declaration that the demolitions, which began in January this year breached Articles 28 and 29 of the Constitution.

They have asked the court to compel the respondent to allow the petitioners to continue operating their businesses in town until an alternative site is identified.

The petitioners also sought an injunction restraining the county government from further demolitions of kiosks in the town or alternative sites that would be provided.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya’s decision to resume the demolition a fortnight ago was met with anger and hostility by residents who stoned his motorcade as he left his office.

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala was blamed for allegedly stoking public hostility against Oparanya. Lurambi MP Titus Khamala condemned the demolitions questioning why traders were nvet served with quit notices.

Savula last vowed to sue the governor for the demolitions saying his actions were a threat to livelihoods dependent on the town’s informal sector.