Joho to Defy President Uhuru's Directive on Traders

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has dismissed a directive issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Mombasa on Monday, President Uhuru directed traders at the Kongowea Market not to pay taxes to the county government, since the market was refurbished by the national government.

“This market was built by funds from the national government. It was built for the traders and not for an individual. We will investigate and see if it’s not being used well,” said the President.

“Do not pay until you get services. I am asking police officers here not to be used to harass and arrest the traders who will not pay the taxes,” he added and directed that individuals found harassing traders at the market be arrested.

Speaking to Journalists on Monday Governor Joho's Information Officer, Issac Angole said the county government of Mombasa will continue to collect levies at the market, adding that the head of state did not consult the county while giving the orders.

“The market cannot operate without revenue. Traders will continue paying rent to sustain operations in the market."

"The market was renovated by the national government before being handed over to the county government last year," Angole stated.

Angole explained that the World Bank gave the National Government the cash used to refurbish the market, after which the market was handed back to the county government.

"The National Government handed the market to the county Government to run and oversee operations, how will the county government manage the markets without money generated from it,” he added.