A section of traders in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 18, threatened to march toward former First Lady Mama Ngina's home in Muthaiga to file a list of grievances Azimio la Umoja's three-day protests.
In a press briefing, the traders stated that they would appeal to Mama Ngina to speak to Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to call off the demonstrations.
They expressed confidence that Mama Ngina wielded enough sway and political capital to convince Uhuru and Raila to call off the protests.
She once served as First Lady and hence understands that such protests affect traders negatively and subsequently hurts the economy
To Uhuru, you're retired. The world does not revolve around you so our lives should not be put in danger," one of the traders stated
"Some of our traders will not work for three days straight so how will we earn a living? That is why we will march to her home and we appeal to the police for protection."
The traders faulted the Azimio coalition for using mass protests as a tactic to advance their political agenda against the government.
Following the mass protests carried out on Wednesday, July 12, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) revealed that an estimated Ksh3 billion was lost, plunging businesses into a state of uncertainty.
The losses were attributed to destruction, looting and damage of properties during the protests.
Due to the ongoing protests, several business owners have opted to close their establishments fearing theft and chaos. Various experts have warned that the country cannot afford another protest owing to the current economic climate.
"Businesses provide goods and services to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their political affiliations, and must be protected from any political machinations," read part of a statement from KEPSA.
"By considerable measure, they are also a barometer of our economic stability, and their closure is an affront to Kenya’s national economic aspirations," the KEPSA statement further read.
Mama Ngina, who made her last public appearance on April 20, 2023, has not voiced her opinion on the current state of the nation.
While issuing a special message in April, Mama Ngina urged Kenyans to maintain peace. She appealed to the youth to emulate the resilience demonstrated by veteran leaders in order to achieve political and economic prosperity.
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