Nairobi Business Community has come out to show their disapproval of the ongoing protests, arguing that members have lost a lot of money due to looting and the closure of businesses. Speaking at the briefing, Ferdinand Kamau, the chairperson Nairobi business community, explained that they were not against protesting but they were against the violence and disruption of businesses witnessed during these protests.

Bad for economy

He expressed his disapproval of the closure of the country twice each week, terming it as bad for the economy.

 “We have lost more than Sh6 billion in the last four weeks not only because of goons but also closing our businesses during these protests. You close the country twice each week, how much do you lose? Too much!”

The community urged Gen Z to give the government ample time to work on their demands and also urged parents to talk to their children to conduct peaceful demonstrations.  The community also reiterated their past sentiments that they will come out in numbers to protect their businesses against hired goons hiding under the pretence of peaceful protestors today.

 Kamau emphasised that business people within Nairobi would be on standby to protect their businesses and offer backup to the security agents.  “Last week we protected almost 99 per cent of the businesses around the CBD, tomorrow will be the same. We won’t close our businesses and go home,” Kamau said.

 In last week’s protests, the business people were seen around the Central Business District (CBD) area adorned in orange reflectors and armed with batons roamed the CBD protecting businesses around the area and making sure that no businesses were looted or properties destroyed.

The youth-led protests across Kenya against proposed tax hikes have continued even after President William Ruto withdrew the legislation and fired almost all of his cabinet. Activists say they want Ruto to resign and are calling for reforms to clean up corruption and address poor governance.