“I have sold bags and clothes for the last 15 years. In 2014, I obtained an “informal sector” license to sell on the streets. After continual harassment and arrests by the county council Askaris, I obtained a court order in 2016, so they wouldn’t be able to arrest me. But, the arrests continued. Whenever I was arraigned, the county court would ignore its own court orders. Last year I was arrested and charged for hawking. I produced my license, but I was still arrested. I have won 7 cases against the county because the arresting officers simply don’t show up. Then because I defeat them in court, they impound my stock permanently and my business suffers.”
Credits: © Boniface Mwangi/OSF
Country: Kenya
Francis Gachanja
Theme:
Petty Offences
Courts Systems
Pre-trial Detention
Petty Offences
Courts Systems
Pre-trial Detention
People Groups:
Informal Workers
Informal Workers