Huruma Ward DCP Aspirant Raises Alarm Over Alleged Selective Enforcement Against Small Traders in Eldoret

Huruma Ward DCP party aspirant Harun Maina has publicly condemned what he described as unfair and selective enforcement by anti-counterfeit authorities in Eldoret, following the circulation of a viral video showing a distraught female trader whose goods were allegedly confiscated during a recent raid.

The woman, identified as Saroz Shoe Collection, appears in the video emotionally distressed, stating that she is struggling with debt, family responsibilities, and depression after losing her stock.

 According to Maina, the video is a troubling reflection of the pressure faced by many small-scale traders who depend on daily sales to provide basic necessities for their families.

“This is not just about business; this is about humanity,” Maina said. “When you see a woman crying, talking about her children and her loan, you know something is very wrong in how enforcement is being done.”

Claims of Selective Raids

Maina questioned why enforcement actions appear to target small retailers, while large wholesalers allegedly dealing in similar goods continue to operate without interruption. He cited a well-known wholesaler identified as Wajose, whom he claims supplies many traders in the same area where the raids took place.

“There was a raid in the same town, but no one touched the big suppliers,” he said. “This wholesaler sells the same commodities, both wholesale and retail, yet no one questions him because he is a big fish.”

According to Maina, the wholesaler allegedly operates using both wholesale and retail licenses, a situation he says makes it difficult to trace the source of goods sold by smaller traders when enforcement officers move in.

“If you want accountability, start from the source,” he said. “Go to the wholesaler first. That is where the commodities are coming from.”

Mental Health and Social Impact

Maina expressed concern over the mental health impact of such raids, particularly on vulnerable traders who rely on small profits to survive. He warned that aggressive enforcement without proper investigation could push traders into depression and desperation.

“That woman said she has a loan. She said her children depend on that business for milk and clothes,” Maina said. “If anything happens to her, we must ask ourselves as a society whether we did the right thing.”

He urged authorities to adopt a more compassionate approach, especially where traders are licensed, pay rent, and operate openly.

“She is not a criminal. She is not selling drugs. She is running a licensed business and paying rent like everyone else,” he added.

Appeal to Government and Leadership

Maina called on both the county government and the national government to intervene, urging President William Ruto to personally address the situation. He noted that Eldoret is the president’s home region and argued that the issue directly undermines the government’s efforts to uplift small-scale entrepreneurs.

The aspirant pointed to government empowerment funds that provide small traders with limited capital, saying beneficiaries are often forced to purchase cheaper goods to stay afloat.

“You cannot give someone KSh 20,000 and expect them to buy high-end commodities,” he said. “They look for the cheapest option available, and later they are punished for it.”

Call for Fairness and Legal Redress

Maina insisted that if court action is necessary, it should begin with large suppliers rather than small traders. He threatened to support legal action if the affected trader does not receive justice.

“If cases are going to court, then start with the wholesaler,” he said. “We will go to court until that lady gets her goods back and justice is done.”

He also accused counterfeit traders of operating openly, displaying goods publicly without interference, while enforcement focuses on selected individuals.

“Some counterfeit sellers put up signs and displays, yet no one asks them anything,” he claimed.

Promise of Support and Unity

In his closing remarks, Maina called on business owners across Eldoret to unite and speak with one voice against what he termed oppression of small traders. He pledged personal support, including financial assistance if necessary, to promote harmony and fairness in the county.

“We are not asking for special treatment,” he said. “We are asking for fairness. Small traders, big traders — we are all equal.”

He warned that continued selective enforcement could face organized resistance, particularly as political engagement increases in the coming months.

“When the time comes, we will speak with one voice,” Maina said. “We must protect the lower-class business people who are just trying to survive.”