In Kisumu, a substantial protest has escalated, with traders vigorously rallying in the streets, vociferously demanding the ouster of City Manager Abala Wanga. This upheaval, characterized by a wave of demonstrations, stems from a multitude of complaints harbored by the Kisumu business sector.
At the heart of the traders’ grievances is the contentious reorganization plan of the city, which they argue has been executed with a glaring lack of proper stakeholder engagement. Key figures in the business community, such as Shem Ochuodho, the chairman of Kisumu Bus Park, have pointedly criticized Wanga for his autocratic management of city affairs and his apparent disregard for collaborative efforts with the City Board, particularly concerning initiatives to maintain urban cleanliness. These actions, as per the traders, have precipitated notable business setbacks and disturbances.
The demonstrations have witnessed traders parading through the city’s central business district, vocalizing their dissent with chants and placards. They have staged protests outside Governor Anyang Nyong’o’s office, emphatically urging him to assert greater control over the city’s administration. The traders have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with Wanga’s approach to city planning and development, which includes the razing of stalls and the contentious proposal to relocate the Kisumu Bus Stage.
A critical element of the protest is the traders’ stark opposition to the proposed relocation of the bus park to Molem and the demolition of the Nyamlori area, earmarked for hotel and kiosk construction. The business community has prepared a petition for the Kisumu County National Assembly, with the submission date yet undisclosed. In a defiant stance, the protesters have declared a tax boycott until their demands are met.
Moreover, there’s a palpable resistance among traders against moving to the newly established Uhuru Business Park. Despite its capacity to house approximately 10,000 traders and the street hawking ban enforced by Governor Nyong’o, many continue to operate on city streets. Their argument hinges on the market’s inconvenient location for customers, accompanied by allegations of neglect and stall hoarding at the new site.
Kisumu City News
