EACC targets controversial Baringo-Karimbux land
A section of Karimbux lane where stalls had been erected is fenced off after the stalls were destroyed on May 25, 2024.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into the controversial ownership of the Baringo-Karimbux land.
EACC South Rift Manager, Ignatius Wekesa says the matter now has their full attention and they hope to conclude the case soon.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Mr Wekesa also condemned the harassment of Simon Nasieku, the chairperson of the Karimbux Stage Stall Owners and Traders' Association.
Mr Nasieku has been at the forefront of trying to shed light on the alleged land grabbing of the piece of land.
And for trying to expose the alleged illegal seizure of the half acre piece of land in the city, has landed the chairperson in trouble.
"Whistleblowers like Mr Nasieku play a vital role in the fight against corruption because they provide critical information that helps in the investigation and recovery of stolen assets," Mr Wekesa says.
Five months ago, vendors in Karimbux woke up to find their stalls demolished, leaving many without a source of livelihood. The stalls were originally located on the right-hand side of the road leading from Naivas Down Town to the Kingdom Seekers Church.
The issue pitted the vendors and the County government against a private developer who claimed ownership of the land. Things went from bad to worse, forcing the county executive for Trade, Stephen Mwaura, to intervene, assuring the vendors that they would not be evicted and that they should stay at their stalls.
However, on May 26, small business owners at the Karimbux stage woke up to a sight they thought was unthinkable. The stalls had been demolished and there were empty spaces where their stalls once stood. From that point on, everything went silent on the matter.
Today, when you pass by the half-acre plot of land, you can see construction work in progress.