Kisumu dissolves Kibuye Market Committee and suspends elections to restore order

The Kisumu County Government has dissolved the current Kibuye Market Management Committee and postponed the upcoming elections.

According to city director Abala Wanga, the elections scheduled for September have been suspended until further notice. This suspension allows for a period of stabilization and reorganization.

He explained that there had been significant disruptions in the market over the past year due to internal conflicts between the Market Management Committee and an opposing faction.

Abala pointed out that these conflicts have led to factional fighting, political disputes and violence and have seriously affected the peace and stability of our market.

He explained that the decision was taken after thorough consultations with Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, among others, to restore order and ensure the smooth operation of Kibuye Market.

“Dissolution of the current market management: With immediate effect, the existing market management committee is dissolved. All official positions in the Kibuye market are hereby vacated,” the statement said.

The city manager also pointed out that all private security forces, militias or groups posing as security forces in the market have been declared illegal.

He said that persons found loitering with weapons such as pangas or rungus would be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“All revenue collection, especially from the market toilets, which were till now managed by the market committee, will be suspended. The district administration will take over responsibility for these revenue collections within the next (24) hours to ensure proper hygiene and cleanliness of the facilities,” Abala said.

To ensure effective administration and restore order, a six-member committee from the city administration has been appointed to take immediate control of market operations, including revenue collection, hygiene and security, he added.

“Their duties include collecting market and toilet revenue, ensuring regular garbage collection and ensuring the availability of electricity and water to ensure adequate security.”

Abala stressed that it is the city’s concern to restore peace and order to Kibuye Market and ensure that it remains a safe and productive environment for all traders and visitors.

Kibuye Market has long been a cornerstone of our regional economy, serving not only our local community but also neighboring counties and countries including Uganda and Tanzania.

The market supports a wide range of businesses and professions and is therefore crucial to the livelihoods of many people.