Meru traders call for elections of new leaders

Traders at Gakoromone market, in Meru County are calling for the election of new leaders, alleging corruption by the current leadership.

They have raised concerns over disbursement of empowerment funds that were released by the government a few weeks ago.

The bitter traders also raised questions on the formula and methodology of distribution, citing unfairness.

“We feel that the procedure used to share the kitty was unfair. There are some small groups that got more money compared to other larger groups,” said Joseph Marete, a trader.

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They called on the Meru County governor Mutuma M’Ethingia to intervene and dissolve the leadership so as to elect new leaders.

“We need the leadership immediately dissolved so as to allow traders to elect leaders of their choice. If not so, this may lead to no cess payment in the market” exclaimed Alex, a tomato trader.

The fresh produce traders also claimed that they have been sidelined as they don’t support the current leadership.

“We feel sidelined because tomato, onions, watermelon and other fresh produce traders who don’t support the current leaders were given a small share of the empowerment fund,” said Lucy Karimi.

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In the onion sector, the traders alleged that after sharing the cake that was given to them, each of their members took home about Ksh 10 demanding accountability.

“In our sector, we received little funding and after sharing, some took about Ksh 8 to  10 bob with them. We need accountability of the funds,” claimed James Murithi, a trader.

They also argued that the government needs to consider supporting them with value addition machines and equipment, other than giving little financial support.

By John Majau

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