Business Resumes at Kongowea Market

More than 15,000 traders had stopped all operations leading to the market’s closure on Friday.

The traders were protesting against the new levies introduced by the county government.

59 suspects were subsequently arrested following the protests for allegedly blocking vehicles and dumping waste.

Kongowea Market Chairman Robert Nyanga confirmed that the charges have been suspended till 1st of February 2014, to give time for stakeholders to reach an agreement on the matter.

Religious leaders have come out urging leaders not to take the matter lightly as both the tourism industry and local residents’ interests are at stake.

They also asked Governor Ali Hassan Joho to stop the ongoing operation to evict hawkers from the island, until an alternative place for them is found.

By Diana Kariuki