The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has said that the private sector in Kenya has been losing at least 3 billion shillings daily due to Maandamano organized by Azimion leader Raila Odinga to protest among other things the cost of living.
According to KEPSA, companies across the country, most within Nairobi and Kisumu, have been shutting down their businesses on the days of Maandamano, making no sales with the effects trickling down the value chain to the “smallest retailer.”
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“Every time the country’s economic engines are closed for fear of theft and destruction from people who are taking advantage of the demonstrations, occasions unnecessary losses to the tune of about 3 billion shillings,” said KEPSA in a statement.
KEPSA is calling on political leaders to “have a chat” and bring back normalcy to the “developing economy that is just reeling back from the Covid-19 pandemic, drought, and other economic hazards.” KEPSA has become the first body to raise concerns about the demos.
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The demos on Wednesday rocked various parts of the country leading to massive destruction of property including the vandalizing of the Expressway. At the same time, at least 6 people were shot dead on Wednesday, bringing the total number to 12 including those shot last Friday.
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Azimion called for people to take to the streets to force the Kenyan Kwanza Government, among other things; to lower the cost of living, abandon the overnight increase of taxes that are overburdening Kenyans, and reform the electoral system.
The Kenya Kwanza Government, led by President William Ruto, has remained adamant that nothing will change and that Kenyans should get used to the current way of living.
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