KISUMU HAWKERS CRY FOUL AS EVICTION LOOMS LARGE.

01/07/2007
GRANTS ARCHIVES AGAJA KUYO BARUPE WECHE DONGRUOK MBAKA NONRO JEXJALUO NGECHE LUO GI GWENG' THUM TEDO LUO KITGI GI TIMBEGI SIGENDNI LUO THUOND WECHE ;	KISUMU HAWKERS CRY FOUL AS EVICTION LOOMS LARGE. BY SHEM KOSSE LUOCOME KISUMU Hundreds of hawkers selling their wares in the premises of Omino's building, situated along the prestigious Oginga Odinga street, Kisumu, opposite the National Bank of Kenya, are currently operating their business in a state of fear of being evicted anytime, since the property has been sold off to a fabulously wealthy Asian tycoon. The over five decade old four-storey building, which formerly belonged to the late Hon Job Omino, who served for over two terms, as the area Mp before his demise, was sold to Mr. Gilani, through auction to recover close to a hundred million shillings, he reportedly owes bank, in the form of unserviced loan. Gilani, who is the proud owner of Imperial hotel, Mayfair holdings and has bought nearly half of the buildings in the city's prime areas, is largely known for not tolerating hawkers, who dare operate business in or near the premises of his chain of building in the city, hence the hawkers worries. Majority of the hawkers who talked to news reporters appeared crestfallen by the new development, saying it is a double tragedy. It has come barely before the ink dried, on the recent city council resolution to rid the Central Business District (CBD), of hawkers. A visit to the Omino's building site by the battery of journalists, revealed that the reconstruction work is in the top gear and the tenants too, have been given notices to vacate the building, to pave way for massive renovation, or face forceful eviction. The renowned business and property magnate, Gilani, also owns Rehema House, adjacent ABC bank, the former Nyanza laundry shop and the controversial former council's houses, Opiyo Oguma Estate among several others. The Opiyo Oguma Estate takeover, generated heat with the residents taking to the streets, protesting that it should be repossessed, claiming it was undervalued, but in vain. The houses were sold by National Housing Cooperation to recover dues owed to them by the cash-strapped council, Kisumu. By the time of going to the press, hawkers and boda boda cyclists were hudled in small groups strategizing on how to take to the streets to demonstrate, against the city council's decision "We are soon storming city hall to evict them before they evict us!" said the visibly disgruntled hawkers, in unison. ===================================================== Joluo.com Ka in gi mari moro ma di wandik ka to orni Akelo nyar Kager, jaluo@jaluo.com Daher winjo dwondi in bende, iwinjo?	IDWARO TICH? INJILI GOSPEL GALAMORO : Riwruok mar JOLUO e Piny Ngima, orwaku uduto mondo ubed e kanyakla mar burani. Ornwa nyingi gi nondi kaka obedo. Riwruok e teko joka Nyanam. WENDO MIWA PARO OD PAKRUOK

KISUMU HAWKERS CRY FOUL AS EVICTION LOOMS LARGE.

BY SHEM KOSSE
LUOCOME KISUMU

Hundreds of hawkers selling their wares in the premises of Omino's building, situated along the prestigious Oginga Odinga street, Kisumu, opposite the National Bank of Kenya, are currently operating their business in a state of fear of being evicted anytime, since the property has been sold off to a fabulously wealthy Asian tycoon.

The over five decade old four-storey building, which formerly belonged to the late Hon Job Omino, who served for over two terms, as the area Mp before his demise, was sold to Mr. Gilani, through auction to recover close to a hundred million shillings, he reportedly owes bank, in the form of unserviced loan.

Gilani, who is the proud owner of Imperial hotel, Mayfair holdings and has bought nearly half of the buildings in the city's prime areas, is largely known for not tolerating hawkers, who dare operate business in or near the premises of his chain of building in the city, hence the hawkers worries.

Majority of the hawkers who talked to news reporters appeared crestfallen by the new development, saying it is a double tragedy. It has come barely before the ink dried, on the recent city council resolution to rid the Central Business District (CBD), of hawkers.

A visit to the Omino's building site by the battery of journalists, revealed that the reconstruction work is in the top gear and the tenants too, have been given notices to vacate the building, to pave way for massive renovation, or face forceful eviction.

The renowned business and property magnate, Gilani, also owns Rehema House, adjacent ABC bank, the former Nyanza laundry shop and the controversial former council's houses, Opiyo Oguma Estate among several others.

The Opiyo Oguma Estate takeover, generated heat with the residents taking to the streets, protesting that it should be repossessed, claiming it was undervalued, but in vain. The houses were sold by National Housing Cooperation to recover dues owed to them by the cash-strapped council, Kisumu.

By the time of going to the press, hawkers and boda boda cyclists were hudled in small groups strategizing on how to take to the streets to demonstrate, against the city council's decision "We are soon storming city hall to evict them before they evict us!" said the visibly disgruntled hawkers, in unison.