The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry [KNCCI] on Wednesday, July 26, revealed that Kisumu County lost Ksh 1.5 billion during the three-day anti-government protests staged by the Azimio Coalition.
KNCCI Chairperson Israel Agina disclosed that this substantial loss was primarily attributed to the unfortunate incidents of shop looting, property damage, and the financial burden endured by sellers who had to close their business establishments during the demonstrations.
“We lost business for not just three days but almost for a week. As you know Kisumu is a transport corridor and a lot of cargo passes through. Kisumu is also a consumer of goods from outside," Mr. Agina asserted.
Additionally, the chairman issued a warning about the potential consequences of the ongoing demonstrations. He emphasized that if not effectively controlled, these protests could lead to even more losses by dissuading potential investors and tourists from visiting the Lake-side city.
Traders in Kisumu have also expressed their frustrations over the political situation in the country stating that the demonstrations are hampering growth prospects.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Ambrose Namukuba, a boda boda rider based in Kisumu, expressed regrets over the significant losses he has experienced due to the protests. He also mentioned that, on top of the financial impact, he had to endure being manhandled by the protestors during the demonstrations.
“I do not support the demonstrations at all. During the three day protests, I only worked for two days and one of those days was half day. On Thursday, I was almost stoned by young men who were engaging with the police,” Mr. Namukuba stated.
Ambrose called on Opposition Leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto to drop their hardline stances and agree to dialogue to save the country from sliding into anarchy.
“All I can tell Raila is that 2027 is not far away. Let him just wait and we will vote for him again. Whether he wins or loses, that we will only know in 2027. But the demonstrations are costing us, his voters a lot,” he remarked.
On Wednesday, July 26 Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong’o noted that over 100 Kisumu residents were injured while 8 others lost their lives during the anti-government protests.
Following this, the Kisumu County Government decided to waive off medical and mortuary bills of all protest victims, in an effort to help their families cope in these difficult times.
It is not just people that have paid the price. Infrastructure across the country has been badly damaged too.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed the government will be forced to spend over Ksh 200 million to repair damaged roads in Kisumu.
