Business came to a standstill in Nakuru town on Saturday morning after traders blocked the construction of stalls along Mburu Gichua road.

The traders protested that the stalls will block businesses at Nasher market.

The construction which was still at the foundation stage was being done outside the Jamia mosque. The demolitions began at dawn when the youth descended on the stalls.

They then used the stones to block Mburu Gichua road, paralysing transport along the busy road.

Also Read: Kihika at One: Status of Nakuru's matatu sector since their return to city centre

"We will not allow people to come here and erect stalls outside the markets. Having the stalls here will greatly affect the business at the markets which will force our people out of jobs," said one of the residents.

A trader carries a building stone that was erected outside Jamia mosque in Nakuru city on October 28, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

The scuffle drew the attention of the county administration forcing the County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura to arrive at the scene.

Dr Mwaura however supported the youth for what he said was averting the grabbing of public land.

He assured the youth that Governor Susan Kihika's government was ready work with the people in safe guarding public lands.

"I want to assure you that Governor Kihika is fully behind you as you protect your property and that which belongs to the government," said Dr Mwaura.

He said the county is on a mission to recover land and other property that had been grabbed from the government.

He noted that the takeover of War Memorial hospital was the beginning of reclaiming public land that has been grabbed.

Read: County administration takes over Nakuru war memorial hospital

Dr Mwaura then persuaded the protestors to allow the county enforcement officers to clear the road and allow business to continue as normal.

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Why Nakuru traders stopped construction of stalls opposite Nasher market

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Joseph Openda