Natembeya, security agencies clash over access to Masinde Muliro Market

As the dispute drags on, thousands of traders remain locked out, counting losses and uncertain about when they will be allowed to resume business inside the market built to accommodate them.

More than 2,000 traders spent another day outside Masinde Muliro Market after anti-riot police officers barred them from accessing the facility.

The standoff heightened tensions and disrupted business activities as frustrated traders demanded entry, insisting that a court ruling had cleared the way for them to resume operations.

Tabitha Moraa, a trader in Kitale, said traders were not interested in prolonged arguments but simply wanted access to the market to continue earning a living.

However, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Trade Janerose Mutama questioned claims that the county government had directed some traders to stay outside while allowing others to occupy the market.

“Ni nani wako kwa hizo maduka? Kwa sababu wafanyibiashara wanasema ya kwamba sisi tumewaambia wakae kando wangojee tutawapanga na tumeruhusu wengine ndani wanachungwa,” Mutama said.

Some traders also questioned the legitimacy of the 167 beneficiaries already operating inside the facility, claiming they were not the rightful occupants. However, those currently conducting business in the market rejected the allegations.

Meshack Kechula, a trader who says he has operated in the market for 44 years, claimed those who had gained access were outsiders.

Gelaus Makhanu, another trader, defended those operating inside the facility, saying they were residents of Trans Nzoia County drawn from different communities.

“Sisi ni wafanyibiashara wa hapa Trans Nzoia na tuko makabila zote,” Makhanu said.

The heavy police presence has forced many traders to operate under difficult conditions outside the facility, raising questions about the purpose of a public project designed to accommodate up to 2,700 traders but which remains at the centre of an escalating dispute.

Moraa said the situation had disrupted her movements and daily activities, leaving her struggling to establish where she could continue doing business.

Brian Kang'ethe appealed to both levels of government to resolve the dispute and allow traders to resume their businesses.

“Ningeomba serikali na serikali ya kaunti washughulikie hii mambo tuone vile tutaendelea na shughuli,” he appealed.

On Monday, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya directed county-approved traders to access the market following a court decision.

However, security agencies have warned that implementing the directive could trigger unrest, as the occupation of the disputed stalls continues to fuel a standoff between the county and national governments.