Garissa: a group of Muslim clerics and the local Chamber of Commerce have condemned the hoarding of essential commodities by some businesses, contributing to artificial shortages. Sheikh Hassan Abdullahi of Supkem, speaking with KNA, stated that such hoarding is not only against Islamic laws but also Kenyan laws.
According to Kenya News Agency, Sheikh Abdullahi urged business communities to stop this practice and called for investigative agencies to take action against those involved in such activities. Abdiwahid Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Garissa Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the impact of road damage due to floods on the movement of goods and services, leading to shortages.
Ahmed pointed out that while the entire business community should not be blamed, action should be taken against those responsible for exacerbating the situation. He also noted that panic buying by customers has worsened the shortage of goods in the county.
Governor Nathif Jamah of Garissa, addressing the issue on Wednesday, warned traders exploiting the flood situation by hoarding essentials that their licenses would be revoked. He stated that his office had received multiple complaints about such practices, where traders were allegedly withholding commodities to inflate prices later.