The Business Community in Embu County is counting losses following Tuesday’s anti-government protests that saw several businesses looted and others closed for the better part of the day.
The epicenter of the protests was in Embu Town where goons camouflaging as protestors looted several businesses including petrol stations and shops and vandalized others.
Other business owners recorded loss of business in terms of sales as they remained closed the whole day out of fear of their businesses being attacked.
Many of business operators said they have suffered huge losses since the weekly Gen Z protests commenced three weeks ago.
“The protests have started being counterproductive as clients keep off over security concerns,” said Rosemary who is a representative of SMEs in Embu Market.
A trader at Embu Open Air Market Alexia Kagendo called for security to be beefed up during protests to protect their business and clients.
They also called for the protestors to be guided on the routes to follow to avoid interfering with normal business activities.
On his part, KNCCI Embu Branch Chair Mugo Mate condemned the looting and vandalism of businesses, saying it was crippling the economy of the county.
“We have no problem with protests but attacks on businesses, ” he said, adding, while calling on security organs to safeguard their interests.
He said should the wave of destruction witnessed in the last few weeks continue they will have no option but to take charge of the security of their businesses.
“I will soon convene a meeting with the business community to chart the way forward because we can’t just sit back and allow our businesses be destroyed, ” he said.
Area (Manyatta) MP Gitonga Mukunji accused those behind looting and destruction of property of being enemies of progress as he called for the protests to stop.
He said the issues raised by the Gen Zs that led to the protest had been addressed including withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill and disbandment of the cabinet and so there was no reason to continue holding protests.
