Business owners from Kakamega County on Tuesday warned any rogue protestors who were planning to cause chaos in the Central Business District.
According to the owners, anyone found destroying property will be dealt with in line with the law.
"As a businessman and investor here, I will not allow anyone to come and destroy our property. Any Gen Z who will try to break into any shops will face the consequences.
They further revealed that in the previous protests, several businesses were broken into and property stolen leaving the owners counting losses.
However, the business community emphasised that it was in support of the ongoing protests but was opposed to anyone planning to destroy property.
Furthermore, the business owners revealed that they were willing to support the protestors with crucial supplies such as water in case police fire tear gas canisters.
"We support these demonstrations organised by Gen Zs and millennials but we have heard that some people are taking advantage of the peaceful protests and come to the city to steal and destroy our businesses," one of the business owners added.
Some of the owners were seen outside their shops also armed with batons to protect their businesses.
Meanwhile, the business owners issued this warning after another group of protestors were spotted with batons in the city streets.
Despite the warning from the business owners, a few rowdy protestors were seen breaking into a local petrol station and looting valuable items.
The individuals were seen breaking one of the storage spaces used to store gas cylinders and making their way with the items as well as other petroleum products at the refilling station.
The scenes in Kakamega were a reflection of how the anti-government protesters turned chaotic in most parts of the country. Some Kenyans argued that the violence was caused by paid goons who infiltrated the peaceful demonstrations.
Earlier in the day, Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja cautioned protests against destroying property as they exercise their constitutional rights.
"While you demonstrate, we urge you to remain peaceful and vigilant. Please collaborate, cooperate and coordinate with the police to ensure your safety and our collective security as Kenyans are guaranteed during the event," he said in a statement.
Kanja also assured Kenyans that the National Police Service would deal with some criminal groups which were planning to wreak havoc during today's protests.
Demonstrations are expected to continue on Tuesday and Thursday this week as Kenyans oppose the current regime and call for change.
