Nairobi Youth Business Community (NYBC) on Monday revealed that many Kenyans will lose their jobs after the community recorded Ksh3 billion worth of damages since the onset of the anti-finance bill protests.
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Boulevard, the community blamed the damages on criminals who infiltrated the peaceful protests.
As a result, they called on authorities to swing into action and track down the criminals.
"We commend Gen Z in their quest and drive to be heard in matters of governance. We are with them all the way. Their push is not in vain and we believe they are being listened to," read the notice in part.
"We however wish to bring to the attention of the country we are suffering in many ways after goons infiltrated the recent protests over the rejected Finance Bill 2024 and looted our property."
The Community further differed with President William Ruto who estimated the damages at Ksh2.4 billion during a televised interview at State House on Sunday evening.
The youth estimated the damages at over Ksh3 billion encompassing looted properties as well as buildings that were burned down.
"Whereas the president said property worth Ksh2.4 billion was looted or destroyed, we wish to correct the figure upwards to Ksh3 billion. This has affected businesses in general and will see many lose their jobs," they added.
"We have images and CCTV footage of the goons we believe took advantage of the otherwise peaceful protests to loot."
The traders, therefore, confirmed that they were ready to share the footage with authorities for further action and appealed to the police to pursue those behind the same.
Nairobi business owners bore the biggest brunt of damaged property as looters broke into shops and supermarkets in Nairobi's Central Business District.
Sianda Building, which is located along Ronald Ngala Road, was vandalised and later set on fire on the evening of Tuesday leaving extensive damages to the businesses it houses.
The same day, TV broadcasters captured live looters breaking into Uganda House along Kenyatta Avenue and making away with goods of unknown value. The loot eventually resulted in a fire outbreak as police officers, who responded to the incident struggled to keep the looters at bay.
