Frequent demos are not only hindrance to doing business in Nyeri town and its environs but are negatively impacting the livelihoods of area residents, Nyeri Township MP Duncan Maina has warned.
Maina is also raising concern over the manner Nyeri town has fared during the recent two demos over agitation of lower fuel costs which he described as peculiarly destructive and violent as compared to other towns in the country.
He says while protests for better governance is a constitutional obligation and right, the manner of doing so should not turn out to be counterproductive to the livelihoods of others.
On Monday Nyeri town witnessed a near-total lockdown after everything virtually came to a standstill when businesses and offices failed to open for fear of a resurgence of demos over the cost of fuel.
Members of the public were also forced to trek to their various destinations after Public Service Vehicle(PSV)operators kept their vehicles off the road in fear of confrontations between protestors and the police.
“Whenever there were demonstrations in Nairobi, the residents used to try uprooting the railway line but last time we had demos Kibera was the most peaceful residential area in Nairobi. (In Nyeri) why have we decided that anytime there is a demo in this country we must loot businesses that employ our people, the businesses that are offering us the most affordable goods,” posed Maina.
The MP warned the continued disruption of business activities in various towns in Nyeri would soon prove to be a bane to the county’s economy and also scare away external investors wishing to pitch tents in the area.
The lawmaker also condemned goons taking advantage of protests to break into people’s businesses saying the individuals are not people from other counties but those born and bred in Nyeri.
“Who is this fuel merchant stationed in Nyeri who so aggrieved us so much to the point of turning against our own investments. We have burnt our roads, broken into people’s retail stalls. No one from outside is attacking our shops. It is our very people who are doing this,” he said.
How shall we live together if we are now stealing and destroying one another’s businesses. Even the President knows we have challenges, but we cannot remedy the situation by destroying the little we have,” he urged.
Last week the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) had called for constructive dialogue in resolving the rising cost of fuel in the country.
Nyeri KNCCI chairperson, Ibrahim Ndung’u Maina, said the skirmishes that had been witnessed in the country over fuel prices were uncalled for and could have been handled amicably through constructive engagement by sector players.
Maina also condemned the wanton destruction of property and loss of lives reported in other parts of the country and urged public transport sector players to pursue dialogue with the Government in future before calling for industrial action.
“As Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry we believe sustained solutions can only be attained through constructive dialogue, economic stability and protection of life and property. We therefore call upon the Government to strengthen security, protect businesses and citizens from criminal infiltration during demonstrations. Leaders across all political affiliations embrace national dialogue and prioritize the welfare of all Kenyans,” he told KNA.
The official has also cautioned leaders against politicizing economic challenges affecting Kenyans and to be at the forefront in coming up with clear policies that can help address the economic challenges facing the country.
He noted that the two days of national strike called by Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators had led to loss of revenue for the country running into millions of shillings, a scenario that could have been averted.
“Issues of economic importance should not be tribalized or politicized in a way that does not provide long term solutions to a nation. Policy makers need to review taxation and explore measures that can cushion businesses and people on the rising cost of living while sector players need to uphold peace, law and unity and exercise their democratic rights responsibly,” he added.
For the two days of the fuel protest, traders in Nyeri town lamented how they incurred losses after being forced to close their premises for fear of violence and looting.
Wanjohi Kafaga, a farmer and businessman in Nyeri, said the protests had greatly affected transport and movement of goods, especially perishable products.
“The strike on Monday and Tuesday led to lost business in Nyeri. We were forced to stay at home resulting in losses especially for perishable goods such as milk that couldn’t reach the market. Monday protests were also violent with goons taking advantage of the ensuing chaos to break into people’s businesses,” said Kafaga.
By Samuel Maina
