BUSINESSES INCUR SEVERE LOSS DURING THE ANTI-TAX PROTESTS IN KENYA
The aftermath of nationwide protests in Kenya has left a devastating impact on several towns, where communities are now grappling with profound loss and destruction. Businesses in various regions, including Naivasha and Eldoret, bore the brunt of the unrest, suffering extensive damage to properties and disruptions to operations.
In Naivasha, protesters targeted symbols of authority and perceived political affiliations, such as the office of MP Jane Kihara and Naivas Supermarket, resulting in looting and arson. The ensuing chaos led to over 130 arrests as authorities struggled to contain the violence and restore order.
Similarly, Eldoret, known as the City of Champions, witnessed significant destruction with government buildings like the County headquarters and public facilities like the local library set ablaze during clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The scenes were emblematic of widespread discontent among youth, many aged between 18 and 29, who vented their frustrations over economic hardships and perceived political injustices.
Throughout Mount Kenya, particularly in Nyeri and Nanyuki, the protests resulted in severe losses for business owners, notably Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina whose supermarkets were looted and burned, amounting to over Sh550 million in damages. The impact was felt deeply by affected families and employees who faced uncertain futures as a result of the destruction.
In other regions like Isiolo and Embu, similar scenes of unrest unfolded, marked by road blockades, property damage, and violent confrontations with authorities. Even politicians who supported controversial legislation found themselves targeted, with their homes and offices under siege by protesters demanding accountability and change.
The protests underscored a broader discontent with governance and economic policies, with voices from across Kenya’s diverse communities demanding to be heard. Despite the destruction, there were expressions of forgiveness and understanding from affected individuals like Ida Komen, a fruit vendor in Eldoret, who despite losing her car in the chaos, empathized with the protesters’ grievances, highlighting the complexity of emotions and motivations driving the unrest. As the country seeks to heal and rebuild, the aftermath of these protests serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kenya’s leadership in addressing socio-economic disparities and fostering inclusive dialogue to prevent future unrest. The call for accountability and reform remains urgent as communities strive to recover from the recent turmoil and chart a path towards stability and progress
