BY VIOLET AUMA || violetmedia8@gmail.com
Kakamega Main Market has become the epicenter of a heated dispute over the sale of chang’aa, an illicit local brew, with traders splitting into two rival factions.
The conflict pits those who support the crackdown on illegal alcohol sales against those who argue that selective enforcement is being used to target specific individuals and businesses.
The tension erupted following the demolition of a stall allegedly linked to former market chairman Benard Oundo.
The operation, carried out under the watch of the current chairman Geoffrey Oyolo, was part of a county enforcement initiative aimed at eliminating the sale of illicit brews within the market.
However, the demolition sparked an outcry, with Oundo’s supporters accusing Oyolo’s leadership of bias and favoritism.
During a heated confrontation, Oyolo defended the crackdown, vowing to rid the market of illicit liquor that he claimed was destroying lives and ruining families.
“As long as I am chairman, I will not allow chang’aa to be sold here,” he declared.
According to him, the sale of chang’aa in market stalls was a direct violation of county regulations and posed a threat to public safety.
However, his declaration was met with resistance from traders aligned with Oundo, who argued that the enforcement measures were unfairly targeting certain businesses while turning a blind eye to others engaged in similar activities.
“We have 12 county-owned kiosks here that also sell chang’aa, yet the chairman does nothing about them,” alleged Alexander Dekkers, a vocal supporter of Oundo.
Oundo further criticized the move, arguing that it was unjust to demolish an entire stall simply because a tenant was selling chang’aa.
“A stall that someone has built and is paying taxes for how can it be demolished just because the tenant inside is selling chang’aa? The right thing would have been to evict the tenant, not destroy the structure,” he stated.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from women traders within the market, many of whom have raised concerns over the social impact of chang’aa.
Consolata Kendi, the market’s women representative, decried the rampant sale of illicit liquor, blaming it for broken homes and financial struggles among families.
“Many women are suffering because their husbands spend all their money on chang’aa. We must take action to stop this,” she said.
However, other traders insisted that the enforcement must be fair and not just target specific individuals.
“Drugs in the market are not acceptable, but we do not want people’s stalls to be demolished or people to be beaten,” one businesswoman stated, emphasizing the need for humane enforcement.
As the standoff continues, Oundo’s supporters are demanding fresh elections to remove Oyolo from office, accusing his leadership of fostering divisions among traders.
Dekkers, one of the outspoken critics, insisted that only a new leadership could restore harmony in the market.
“We want elections to be held immediately. We do not want this current office because they have brought division among traders,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Oyolo remains steadfast in his position, insisting that his administration will continue cracking down on illicit brews and other illegal activities within the market.
“If we allow chang’aa and drugs to be sold here, this market will collapse,” he warned.
With tensions running high, the fate of Kakamega Main Market hangs in the balance.
For now, the battle over chang’aa remains unresolved, as both factions dig in their heels in a fight that could shape the future of one of Kakamega County’s busiest markets.
