- The two men had been given the mandate to run the toilet by former Kibuye market management committee chairperson Judith Matengo alias Nyaramba.
- Nyaramba was also caught up in the wrangles and was also stabbed. She is admitted to Avenue Hospital.
Image: MAURICE ALAL
One person has been killed at Kibuye market in Kisumu over a toilet management dispute and leadership wrangles.
He had deep cuts on his head and his left leg chopped off.
Another man is fighting for his life in the critical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
He sustained panga cuts on his head and thighs.
The incident occurred on Monday morning after an armed group attacked the two who were manning the toilet in the market.
The two had been given the mandate to run the toilet by former Kibuye market management committee chairperson Judith Matengo alias Nyaramba.
Nyaramba was also caught up in the wrangles and was also stabbed. She is admitted to Avenue Hospital.
The body of the deceased was taken to JOOTHR mortuary.
Kisumu County police commander Kizito Mutoro and Kisumu Central deputy OCPD Jacktone Mango had not responded to calls and SMS by the time the story was being published.
Traders at the market claimed the attackers were hired by a trader who wanted to take control of the toilet.
Most of the traders linked the attacks to leadership wrangles between two factions of traders.
Over the past year, the market has faced significant disruptions due to internal conflicts between the market management committee and an opposing faction.
Last month, the county government disbanded the current management committee of Kibuye Market and suspended its forthcoming elections.
Kisumu city manager Abala Wanga said the elections scheduled for September are suspended until further notice. This suspension allows for a period of stabilisation and reorganisation.
Abala noted that these disputes have resulted in factional fights, political wrangles, and violence, severely impacting the peace and stability of the market.
He stated that the decision among others has been made after thorough consultations with Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to restore order and ensure the smooth operation of the Kibuye Market.
"Disbandment of current market management, effective immediately, the existing market management committee is dissolved. All official positions within the Kibuye Market are hereby vacated," the notice reads.
The city manager further noted that all private security personnel, militias, or any groups masquerading as security within the market are declared illegal.
He said individuals found loitering with weapons such as pangas or rungus will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"All revenue collections, particularly from market toilets, previously managed by the market committee are suspended. The county government will assume responsibility for these collections within the next (24) hours to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness of the facilities," Abala said.
To ensure effective management and restore order, he added that they have appointed a six-person committee from the city administration who will take immediate control of market operations, including revenue collection, sanitation, and security.
"Their responsibilities will include but are not limited to collection of market and toilet revenue, ensuring regular garbage collection, guaranteeing the availability of electricity and water providing adequate security."
Abala emphasized that the city was committed to restoring peace and order in Kibuye Market, ensuring it remains a safe and productive environment for all traders and visitors.