Kibera's Toi Market traders elect new officials in polls marred with disputes

Traders in Kibera's Toi Market held elections for their new officials in highly disputed elections that turned chaotic in some instances.

In the elections that were held under police watch following tension over differences, Francis Ndege was elected as the chairperson while Fatuma Mohammed was elected vice chairperson.

David Kose Oyombe and Hellen Kasmir were elected as secretary and vice secretary, respectively.

Chaos marred the elections after a team of traders allied to former officials of the market rejected the polls. Police had a difficult time controlling rowdy crowds that wanted the elections stopped.

Kose, the newly-elected secretary, said they will use their time in office to unite the more than 1,000 traders who are said to have been divided along tribal and political affiliations.

"Our main focus as new officeholders is to unite all traders and stop divisions along political and tribal lines," said Kose.

Kose told The Eastleigh Voice that their work is clearly cut out owing to the immense challenges dogging one of the biggest markets in Nairobi.

"We will ensure that there is public participation in every decision we will be making," said Kose.

He added that they will work closely with the county government to ensure that the market is rebuilt and a fence erected around it.

The former officials led by Joshua Ogol and Dennis Opiyo opposed the elections, terming them illegal and non-procedural.

Okoth Ong'ayo, who sells second-hand clothes, said elections have not been held in the market for nine years following court cases on leadership disputes.

"Despite the constitution of the traders stipulating that elections should be held after four years, there has never been elections for the last nine years following unending disputes," said Ong'ayo.

Some traders allied to the former officials of the market concurred with the advice of the county government that the elections be held after rebuilding of the market that has suffered a series of infernos.

The traders have been urging the county government to fulfil its promise of fencing the market.

The traders, who a few months ago suffered significant losses due to a fire, said that erecting a fence and providing security personnel to guard the premises would be the only way to prevent further fire incidents.

According to them, the market urgently requires a new fence and enhanced security to ensure its safety.

Tobby Naloba, who represents women traders in the market, earlier said that a new fence would deter people living around the market from accessing it at night.

"Erecting a fence would ensure that only the watchmen are present in the market at night," Naloba said.

Naloba added that the traders had rebuilt their stalls and resumed work but needed permanent structures that would be resistant to fire.

During the last inferno, the traders suffered losses after a fire razed the stalls in an early morning incident.

The traders are also requesting that the county government to station a fire engine at the market. During the last incident, Nairobi County firefighters arrived several hours late as the fire spread rapidly.

The frequent fires at the market have left traders worried. They say the assistance provided by politicians has not had a significant impact.