Kanduyi MP John Makali has threatened to lead hawkers in Bungoma in protests to compel the county government to find an alternative place for them to sell their goods.
The county government is clearing the streets, with the aim of re-planning the town and expanding feeder roads.
Lorry drivers who were parking along the Bungoma-Mumias highway were relocated along the railway line.
MP Makali told the Star on Tuesday that he disagreed with Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s enforcement officers whom he claimed were harassing traders in the town.
“We know that the county government is doing its best to upgrade and re-arrange Bungoma town but I won’t accept how the enforcement officers are handling traders,” MP Makali said.
Makali urged Governor Kenneth Lusaka to identify land to relocate the hawkers.
“We had a candid conversation with Governor Lusaka on what he is going to do to relocate traders selling their items by the roadside at Chebukube,” he said.
Makali said small-scale traders contribute a lot to the economy of the county.
“Bungoma has been mentioned as being the best county in revenue collection. To maintain this, these hawkers should be provided with a conducive environment to work in,” he said.
In response, Governor Lusaka said the county government has allocated funds towards the purchase of land to relocate the traders.