Business

Eastleigh wholesalers cry foul over frequent government raids

A section of Eastleigh wholesalers whose residents were recently raided. (Photos: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Several major foodstuff wholesalers in Eastleigh are crying foul over alleged harassment by a multi-agency team comprising the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Dairy Board, and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Several major foodstuff wholesalers in Eastleigh are crying foul over alleged harassment by a multi-agency team comprising the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Dairy Board, and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Since January, frequent crackdowns have caused substantial losses, with millions worth of goods confiscated.

The affected traders, adamant they possess all necessary documentation for their import businesses, accuse the multi-agency team of driving them out of business. Shockingly, these raids occur every Tuesday, leaving the owners reeling from the financial impact.

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As proof, the traders showed Eastleigh Voice their permits and other documents demonstrating their compliance with KRA payments and authorization from KEBS, and even local manufacturers. Interestingly, some confiscated products are locally made within Kenya or the East African region.

The seized goods, including cheese, condensed milk, and infant formula, are estimated at a staggering fifteen million Kenyan shillings. Traders report the team arrives with lorries, seizing products without proper inventory or documentation, further exacerbating losses.

According to Eastleigh Wholesalers Association, attempts to identify these officers and understand their objectives have been futile. They allege force is used to gain entry into shops, and even resort to physical aggression when challenged.

A major grievance is the lack of court orders accompanying these raids. The team reportedly arrests anyone on-site, with 15 individuals detained so far. Some released on cash bail face exorbitant amounts of Sh600,000.

Disturbingly, reports suggest the team forces their way into closed premises, and CCTV footage even reveals them allegedly consuming confiscated products without authorization.

Saiid Abdullahi, a prominent businessman affected since January 8th, recounts three separate incidents. The first involved breaking into Hogol Wholesalers, arresting six people and seizing milk worth Sh815,000. "When will this end?" he asks, despair evident in his voice.

Further incidents include the arrest of two individuals at Safa International and seven at Amana Wholesalers, and confiscation of tons of items.

In response to the relentless harassment, the affected business community has come together seeking a collective solution. They demand the multi-agency team adhere to legal procedures and cease the crippling raids.

The outcome of their plea remains uncertain, but their fight for both livelihoods and legal process deserves attention. Eastleigh's wholesalers hope their voices will be heard before their businesses are crushed into silence.