Inspectorate officers from the county government have been accused of harassing street vendors in Laare-Igembe.
According to the vendors operating in Laare – primarily those in the town – they are fighting for survival due to a lack of operating grounds and constant attacks from the county askaris, also known as kanju.
During an interview with BaiteTv, the vendors stated that the askaris’ constant harassment has disrupted their work.
The vendors also chastised the county government for failing to recognize and acknowledge them in various locations.
Despite paying Ksh 20 to county government officers, the vendors claim they are still arrested and fined.
“On most days, we don’t make much money,” said Harriet Kaimuri, a fruit vendor. “The Kanju, on the other hand, demands that we pay Ksh 20 whether we sell or not.
“Failure to pay results in our items being taken away, and a fee of Ksh 50 must be paid when collecting them.
“Yesterday, the Kanju took the hawkers’ umbrellas despite the fact that they were selling while standing.
“Miraa traders are our most valuable customers. They come to us for change and buy our fruits, which boosts our earnings to avoid returning home empty-handed.
“We urge the county government to find a place where we could sell our fruits. The challenge we have is limited space due to interference from boda boda riders and vehicles.
Kawira
Kawira, another street vendor, stated that they do not have a specific location where they sell their items. They keep moving because they’re told one is for bodaboda operators and the others are parking spaces.
She implored Governor Kiraitu to step in.
Another street vendor told BaiteTv that their umbrellas were taken away by the Kanju, and they were asked to pay a Ksh 200 fine to get them back.
“They also took my perishable fruits, which I am concerned will spoil,” she said.
“We decided to form a group with other vendors and walk into their offices, hoping to reach an agreement with the officials and find an alternative to the fine.
“We were directed to the chairman, who was not in his office and told to return the next day.
“The MCA and the chairman were present the next day and claimed that we did not follow the outlined market procedures,” she said.
“Nobody should stop hawkers from selling along the road,” said another vendor, Jackeline Kawira.
She demanded that the Kanju hand over their possessions.
