Nairobi traders situated in Makongeni along Jogoo road are counting losses worth Ksh20 million after auctioneers accompanied by police officers took away their items.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, February 11, the carpenters decried harassment by a private developer in Makongeni along Jogoo Road
In particular, a carpenter pointed out that one of the items he lost was a seat that he shipped from abroad belonging to a Member of Parliament valued at Ksh800,000.
"The furniture that they took belonged to customers who had given orders. In particular, there's a seat that was from the USA and belonged to an MP. It's worth Ksh800,000," the trader told Citizen TV.
According to the carpenters, they had been operating along the road reserve for years but claimed that the private developer had accused them of failing to pay rent.
It is reported that the developer leased a parcel of land belonging to the Kenya Railways.
He allegedly stormed their area and took away their furniture valued at Ksh20 million.
In addition, the traders claimed that the private developer demanded Ksh30,000 in rent for operating on his land.
"We were shocked that a developer stated that it is his land. When we sought answers from government offices, they remain mum about the issue," a trader known as Nicholas Ochola stated.
Another trader lamented that the developer flexed his muscles and forced his will after auctioneers took away their items.
"The people can rightfully ask us are those involved in the infrastructure sector. If we had extended our area past the Kenya Railways land, the developer would have a right to stake his claim." Miriam Wanjiru noted.
Reports further stated that the developer obtained court orders seeking distress for rent order after the traders failed to pay the Ksh30,000 fee.
The court then issued an order directing law enforcers to provide assistance and escort the landlord and auctioneers during the proclamation and sale of the goods.
"He operated his own businesses alongside us for over one year without any issue. Then one day, he came with police officers and auctioneers who carried our stuff.
"Over 100 people came and ordered to take the furniture without notice," Ochola stated.
