The demolition of structures hosting small food kiosks near Mount Kenya University in Thika by county enforcement officers has angered Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi who has now warned his officers against interfering with small scale businesses.
The structures were brought down last week following the outbreak of Cholera disease in the county which has so far registered over ten cases.
As a result of the acute diarrhea infection that is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, the county ordered a ban on food vending and hawking.
But the demolition of shanties and temporary structures along the road leading to the private university has irked Wamatangi who insists that his government did not order enforcement officers to destroy small businesses.
Wamatangi who met with the disgruntled food sellers accused of displaying food for sale under insanitary conditions contrary to food drugs and chemical substances Act said his officers did not follow the law in closing down the businesses and demolishing structures.
The county boss vowed to rebuild the demolished structures in three weeks’ time, further revealing that the affected will be compensated with Sh 7,000 each to enable them continue to feed their families.
He said that his government will always embrace public participation in execution of its mandates to avoid confrontations with the public.
The aggrieved small traders led by Abigael Mumbi lauded the governor’s move to have the county rebuild their structures.
They vowed to comply with food regulations such as good hygiene, availing running water at their businesses among others to tame the deadly Cholera disease.