www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]

Goons invade and destroy property in Sameta

Details

Published on Tuesday, 14 June 2011 21:54

More than 500 residents of Itumbe in Sameta district spent Sunday night in the cold after goons invaded and demolished their shops and residential houses. The attackers who were about 100 were allegedly hired by the Gucha County Council.

Armed with all manner of weapons, the intruders targeted residents and businesspeople who are opposed to the opening of Itumbe market which was closed down four years ago because of poor hygienic conditions. "We are saddened with what happened to us last night. It is indeed bad for people to storm and start demolishing shops and residential houses without reason," said Richard Masese whose residential houses and shop were demolished.

Masese, whose two legs were amputated in1995 following a road accident, said he had nothing to live on anymore because he depended on the rent from the houses which were brought down. "I have nowhere to go because I invested all the money received as compensation for the accident," said the tearful Masese.

The father of three who is in a wheelchair said he thought such things would never happen to Kenyans following the passage of the new constitution. "They took advantage of my disability to demolish and threw my property including bedding into the cold but I pray that may God protect me," Masese said.

Another victim, Justus Gisemba, said they were targeted because they are opposed to the opening of the market. He said the conditions for which the market was closed have not been met. "The market has no facilities like latrines, disposal site and market stalls," Gisemaba said.