Tension escalated at the office of the governor of Elgeyo Marakwet, Wisley Rotich, on Monday, May 5, 2025, after traders stormed the premises against an alleged plan to evict them.
The protesters were armed with placards and twigs who stated there was a plan to set up a mall on land where they have set up their own businesses.
The protesters raised their concerns about where they would go if the planned eviction took place.
Unfortunately, there was no response at the governor’s office, which resorted to the traders chanting against the county government.
In 2024, the governor introduced a modernisation drive in the county which started with a groundbreaking ceremony for sh50million market in Iten town.
The modern market would be multi-storey, with the capacity to accommodate at least 600 business operators.
The government, through the Ministry, also revealed plans to establish similar markets in Chepkorio, Kapcherop and Kapyego centres.
Despite that, the move was met with resistance from sections of traders who were concerned about potentially getting displaced.
