Nairobi Traders Demand Compensation From Azimio Coalition for Protest-Related Losses
Kenyan merchants and businesspeople have condemned the anti-government demonstrations led by the Azimio La Umoja coalition as a day of destruction, disorder, and losses.
Tuesday, Nelson Waithaka, the chairman of Muthurwa Market, told the media that the protests resulted in enormous losses for market vendors, especially those who deal in perishable goods.
He was flanked by market leaders from Nairobi County, including Wakulima, Korogocho, and Githurai.
According to Mr. Waithaka, customers who would normally use the City Stadium or Landhies Road to access Muthurwa Market were robbed, while others were stoned on a day when police officers and protesters engaged in running battles.
“Siku ya jana watu wa biashara ama wachuuzi wadogo wadogo haswa wale wa bishara ya kuuza chakula walienda hasara kubwa sana jana,” Waithaka said,
“Hizi hasara hatujui nani atagharamia,”
The traders stated that they do not know who will compensate those who sustained significant losses during Monday’s demonstrations.
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According to Waithaka, the demonstrations impacted hundreds of businesspeople from outside of Nairobi who conduct their trades within the demonstrations.
Now, the merchants want Azimio Coalition to crack down on both violent protesters and those who took advantage of the opportunity to damage businesses.
“Maandamano ya sahii ni ya kuharibu bishara na haikuwa ya amani,” Waithaka added.
“Sisi kama wafanyi biashara Nairobi tungetaka waangazie hasara ambazo tutakuwa tukihesabu kila Jumatatu, ni nani atakuwa akigaramia?
Numerous videos depict police officers and protesters engaged in running battles during the protests on Monday, which were led by Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja.
In certain areas of the city, businesses and motorists were pelted with stones, bonfires were lit, and roads were barricaded.
The protest is centered on a dispute over the results of the recent general election, which Raila has rejected, and the rising cost of living.
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