Traders at Soko Mjinga Market in Homa Bay Town are urging the county government to fix a damaged drainage system where a rider’s body was discovered on Monday, February 24 morning.
According to the traders, the area has become a dumping ground for bodies, with two similar incidents reported in the past.
In the latest case, Fred Abade, a rider, died under unclear circumstances, and his body was found near the market.
Abade had left his home in Lambwe on Saturday evening without informing anyone of his destination.
“He did not go back later that day. We had to look for him,” said his brother-in-law, Gordon Tembo.
The family spent the entire Sunday searching for Abade.
“Some of his friends said the man left them in town and went to an unknown place,” Tembo added.
Abade’s body was found floating in the sewer, but police officers confirmed that his phone and wallet were still in his pockets. This has led some locals to suspect he may have been killed elsewhere, with his body later dumped in the drainage.
Traders fear the scene could become a regular dumpsite for bodies if the drainage issues are not addressed.
Market Chairman Joshua Ouma called on the county government to intervene, stating that the drainage should be covered and the broken sewer line repaired to prevent future incidents.
