What was meant to be a consultative meeting between Kisumu City officials and market traders turned chaotic on Monday at Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall, as angry traders clashed with the City Manager over growing concerns related to market administration.
The meeting, called by Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, was intended to address grievances surrounding the management of various markets in the city, including issues of sanitation, stall allocation, security, and increased levies. However, tensions quickly escalated as traders accused the city leadership of neglect, lack of transparency, and imposing unfair charges without proper engagement.
Chants and boos from the crowd interrupted the City Manager’s address, forcing officials to pause the session multiple times. Traders demanded accountability, particularly on how revenue collected from markets is being used. Some accused city enforcement officers of harassment and corruption, sparking further uproar in the hall.
“We are tired of being treated like we don’t matter,” shouted one trader. “They collect money daily, yet the market remains filthy and unsafe!”
Security officers had to intervene after a section of the traders attempted to storm the stage where city officials were seated. The meeting was eventually cut short amid the chaos, with some leaders quickly escorted out of the venue for safety.
In a brief statement to the press afterwards, City Manager Abala Wanga expressed disappointment over the disruption and reiterated the county’s commitment to engaging stakeholders constructively.
“We came here to listen, not to fight,” he said. “While emotions ran high, we will still find ways to have meaningful dialogue. We need calm for any progress to be made.”
Monday’s incident highlights growing discontent among traders in Kisumu’s major markets, including Jubilee, Kibuye, and Otonglo, many of whom are demanding better services, inclusion in decision-making, and an end to what they describe as high-handedness by county officers.
A follow-up meeting is expected to be scheduled, though calls have been made for the process to be more inclusive and better organized to avoid further confrontations.