By Reuben Olita
Mlolongo-voting-style — a system popularised during Moi Era— made a comeback in Amagoro
This unfolded during the election of the Amagoro Multipurpose Market management committee after traders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal by the Teso North Sub-County Trade Officer, Godfrey Imachar, to conduct the exercise through a secret ballot.
Amagoro trader Zaitun Caroclad was elected chairperson after garnering 73 votes, beating John Adawa Ichasi, who managed three votes. Steve Ijaa, popularly known as “Jombi,” was elected Youth Representative with 82 votes, while Elizabeth Adhiambo came second with five votes.
The Women Representative seat went to Ruphus Ipaat, who amassed 82 votes, defeating Brigit Onyapidi by a 77-vote margin.
Benjamin Otete emerged unopposed in the Men’s Representative race, while Gerishom Echalai was also unopposed in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) representative seat.
In her acceptance remarks, Zaitun Caroclad urged women to actively engage in business at the market and ensure prompt payment for stalls on due dates. Gerishom Echalai called on both county and national governments to consider persons living with disabilities across different capacities and to enforce the 2010 Constitution provision allocating at least five per cent of government resources to the youth.
Meanwhile, Ruphus Ipaat encouraged traders to diversify goods stocked in neighbouring stalls to promote healthy competition.
Amagoro Location Chief Joel Omachar noted that the 200 stalls in the market were sufficient to stimulate the local economy. He added that the government was considering acquiring adjacent land to link the market directly to the Malaba–Bungoma Highway, a move expected to further boost trade.
Former nominated MCA Angela Nafula Ongura thanked President William Ruto for allocating funds for the market’s construction, saying the project would spur economic growth in the area.
The election of the new management committee comes as construction of the one-storeyed Amagoro Multipurpose Market nears completion.
In preparation for its operational phase, members of the local community convened to elect a team that will oversee the facility’s day-to-day management.
Once completed, the market is expected to offer improved trading space, enhanced hygiene and security, increased business opportunities, and a significant boost to the local economy.
It will also help reduce roadside congestion and serve as a central hub for agricultural produce and other goods.
Community leaders have expressed optimism that the facility will empower small-scale traders, create employment opportunities, and promote organised commerce within Malaba Central Ward and its environs.
