The demolition, which was together with the county government, is meant to pave way for the construction of a passenger railway station in the area.
The traders watched as the bulldozers brought down their structures as they tried to salvage what they could.
Watch the video of the demolition exercise below:
Speaking to the traders during the exercise, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said that the county was determined to retrieve grabbed land for the development of the city.
“This is part of a wider plan towards the realization of the Kisumu Railway City. A development we all long to witness,” he stated.
Wanga further assured that the affected traders would be given an alternative place by the county government to continue doing their business.
The county official went on to lead the reclamation of grabbed land in Kapedo, Jua Kali area.
In November 2020, Kisumu County demolished houses belonging to a number of civil servants over outstanding rent.
“We have to safeguard the properties of the county government. We are going to recover all the county houses. Most are in a deplorable state and dilapidated,†Wanga said, while defending the move.
The city manager added that they are going after all land grabbers irrespective of their status in society.
He further asked those who grabbed or illegally acquired public property to willingly surrender them before forceful repossession.
The Kisumu county government had in December 2020, directed owners of structures along the Kisumu-Kakamega road and residential area to vacate or face demolitions.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
