HAWKERS in Nakuru have accused the county government of working with the outlawed Mungiki sect.

The hawkers’ chairman, Simon ole Naisieku, said the government uses police and Mungiki to forcibly remove them from the central business district.

Naisieku said Governor Kinuthia Mbugua uses his office to harass them.

He said Mbugua on Saturday night issued orders to Mungiki members to demarcate a new space for hawkers at Langa Langa stage.

“Our governor is now collaborating with police and the Mungiki,” Naisieku said.

On Sunday, the hawkers went to Nakuru central police station to file a complaint against the eviction.

Speaking at the station, Naisieku said the governor “is not above the law and should be arrested”.

He said hawkers will move from the CBD if they are shown an alternative place to conduct their business.

Last year, Sh86 million was allocated by the county government for construction of a hawkers’ complex. So far nothing has been done.

“We have not refused to vacate, but it’s only until we are shown where we are relocating to,” Naisieku said.

He said if the governor does not stop harassing the hawkers in the town they will collect signatures to recall him.

Nakuru Town Matatu Services chairman Benson Gathogo said they will not allow hawkers to operate at bus stations.

Gathogo said the Langa Langa stage is gazetted as a bus stage, not a hawkers’ market.

County secretary Joseph Motari denied allegations of the county government working with the Mungiki.

Speaking in his office, Motari said the hawkers were evicted following a CBD decongestion plan.

Courtesy of www.the-star.co.ke