Fruit sellers at Mukuu area have decried harassment by the Isiolo County government following ejection from their operating area.
The group of five women were operating about 30 metres past the diversion to Kulamawe from the Isiolo-Moyale highway towards Isiolo town but were weeks ago forced to move away fromt the road.
But early this week, amid past threats by some of the county government enforcement officers, they were forced out of the area without any explanation and prior notice.
The traders, who then demanded to know the reason for their ejection from the area, were arrested and detained for hours at Isiolo Police Station before each parted with at least Sh2000 to be released.
Lacking an alternative place to operate from, the traders were forced to squeeze themselves next to charcoal sellers outside a nearby church and directly opposite Isiolo Boys High School.
There has been claims that the church leadership had complained that the traders were blocking the church gate preventing ease access by the worshippers.
“We are so angered by the action. We were treated like aliens in our county,” one of the women lamented.
The traders initially used to pay Sh500 per month but when Coronavirus struck, it was reduced to Sh200.
“We have never defaulted the payment. The county is just after embarassing us while other people on the lower side near the stadium continue to operate by the roadside,” another said.
Bodaboda riders who operated under the Mukuu tree have since relocated to the fruit sellers area, well placed area to snatch customers coming from all directions.
“Our business has been adversely affected. Even if they are doing so to welcome Deputy President William Ruto on Saturday, that is not fair at all,” another trader said.
