Traders in Keroka Market are counting losses after arsonists raided the business centre and set their stalls on fire.
Speaking to the media on Friday, April 11, the affected business people pointed out that the unknown individual raided their stalls and torched them on Thursday night.
Preliminary reports indicate that over 10 stalls were razed to the ground following the attack. The fire destroyed goods worth hundreds of thousands.
The traders alleged that the border dispute between Kisii and Nyamira County could have instigated the attack.
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While appealing for help to restock their businesses, the traders called on Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo to intervene to avert further losses.
"We just business people and I don't know any border issues here. I come here to sell in order to help my children, issues to do with boundaries honestly I don't know," a female trader stated.
"The government should help us and address the issue here in Keroka," she further appealed.
"Yesterday I restocked with all the money I had, I spent all the money only to find that it was destroyed. I have really cried but right now I'm just requesting this government to help me because I have nothing else left to sell," another trader added.
Responding to the incident, Nyamira County Commissioner Erastus Mbui termed it as a treacherous act and vowed to take action on the perpetrators.
Mbui assured traders that the police have launched investigations to arrest those responsible for torching their stalls.
"Those people burnt down over 10 stalls and I want to make it clear that anyone who will found culpable will be harshly prosecuted," Mbui insisted.
