ROZA BUYU WARNS KIBUYE POLITICIANS

Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu has warned politicians reportedly involving themselves in the ongoing tussles at Kibuye Market, warning that their involvement is only serving to polarise the traders.

Buyu said it had become evident that some politicians were taking advantage of the market tensions to further their selfish political interests. She asked leaders to let law enforcement agencies handle the matter without interference. The MP also praised police for arresting Kibuye Market chairlady Judith Matengo, popularly known as Nyaramba, who is accused of assaulting two women traders.

Buyu insisted that justice must be allowed to take its course, emphasizing that no politician should attempt to bail her out. “The level of violence meted on women by someone who calls herself their leader is unacceptable. This must stop,” said Buyu, adding that Matengo must be held accountable for her alleged actions.

Matengo was taken before Senior Principal Magistrate Robert Oanda at the Winam Law Courts on Monday morning, where she pleaded not guilty to assault charges. She appeared alongside her co-accused Marion Akinyi, who also denied the accusations.

The court ordered the two to be remanded at Kodiaga GK Women’s Prison until Monday, the 24th, when their bond application will be heard. Through their lawyer, Gilbert Oguso, they sought their release on bond pending trial, but the State prosecutor, backed by FIDA officials, opposed the application. Matengo was arrested after a viral video circulated on social media purporting to show her beating two women at Kibuye Market with a wooden rod.

The victims have since recorded statements, and police investigations are ongoing. Despite the serious allegations against her, dozens of traders have shown up at court in solidarity with the accused chairlady, signaling deep divisions within the leadership and trader community in the market.