Hundreds Affected as Govt Demolishes Shops in Vihiga a Day Before Ruto’s Visit

Hundreds of traders in Luanda Sub-County, Vihiga County, are counting losses after the county government demolished their shops ahead of President William Ruto’s visit.

President Ruto is expected to visit the area tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22, to commission the construction of a new market, a move which is said to have informed the latest decision.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday noon, the disgruntled traders accused Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo of allegedly informing them about the planned destruction of the market.

While venting their frustrations, the local traders urged the county government to consider relocating them to a new area to allow them to continue with their business.

“They are claiming that we should move since they want to construct a new market. As much as it is a good move, they should consider relocating us to a new place,” noted one of the traders.

The traders also demanded compensation from Ottichilo’s administration as they claimed the destruction of their shop had led to massive loss of property.

“Now that these stores have been destroyed, people have gone at a loss. Some people took loans amounting to Ksh500,000 but now their property has been destroyed, where will they get that money to repay the loan?” said another trader.

“Furthermore, you can see how the country’s economy is, you are not sure how you will eat, pay alone or even live. This is a good project but should be done in everyone’s favour.”

On Monday, January 20, Ruto embarked on his five-day development tour in the Western region. On his first day, the Head of State made his first stop in Kakamega County where he granted a Ksh150 million incentive to sugarcane farmers.

On the second day of his tour, the president held his first cabinet meeting of the year after which he launched the last mile of electricity. While addressing residents, President Ruto advised leaders to shun tribal politics.

Ruto’s western tour will also include the commissioning of the Nzoia Water project in Busia on Wednesday and the launching of the Luanda Market. Subsequently, Ruto will also commission the Alupe Dam project in Bungoma.

The Head of State’s visit is expected to conclude on Friday, with his tour coming against the backdrop of the recent merger between Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).