Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero summoned over "askaris’ terror"

Nairobi askaris arrest a man in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Justice Isaac Lenoala summoned the Governor alongside Director of City County Inspectorate to help identify the three askaris.
  • The hawkers said they did not know the askaris by their names, only saying they go by the nicknames of 'Wasiwasi’, 'Brown’ and 'Salala’.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has been summoned to court over alleged harassment of hawkers by askaris.

The hawkers said they did not know the askaris by their names, only saying they go by the nicknames of "Wasiwasi", "Brown" and "Salala".

Justice Isaac Lenaola summoned the governor alongside the director of the county inspectorate to help identify the three askaris.

According to the hawkers, the askaris have been violating their rights through constant running battles despite their having licences to trade within designated city streets.

“We want a determination of whether by stabbing, maiming and killing us, confiscating our properties and denying us the right to earn a livelihood is a violation of the Constitution,” said James Wanjohi in his affidavit.

They alleged that the officers are known to confiscate their wares only to use them for personal gain or resell them at a lower cost to other business people.

Justice Lenaola directed the hawkers to serve the application to the governor and the director of the county inspectorate before a hearing set for October 29.