Chamber of Commerce demands compensation for traders as it condemns rising goon violence
By Enock Amukhale, July 15, 2026The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has condemned the rising acts of goonism and hooliganism witnessed in the country, warning that the violence is likely to scare investors and derail economic growth.
Vihiga Chapter Chairman Billy Nyonje said the attacks, particularly those targeting businesses during protests, pose a direct threat to trade and livelihoods.
“As the business community, we condemn in the strongest terms the acts of goonism and hooliganism being witnessed across the country. These acts are likely to scare investors and have a negative impact on our economy,” Nyonje said.
Compensation to traders
He challenged the Kenya Kwanza government to extend compensation to traders who lost property through looting and arson during protests, arguing that they deserve the same consideration given to victims of police brutality.
“As the government compensates victims of police brutality, traders who lost property should also be compensated. Many small businesses were destroyed and livelihoods wiped out. Goons take advantage of protests to loot property,” he said.
Dr Nyonje spoke when he addressed the press at Mbale in Vihiga County on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following Sunday’s attack on Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo at St Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Kisumu.
According to witnesses, members of the Linda Mwananchi movement were confronted by armed goons while attending a church service and fundraiser organised by the Kenya ACK Church.
He described the incident as an attack on places of worship and on democratic freedoms.
“The attack on Senator Edwin Sifuna and Governor James Orengo by goons armed with crude weapons in Kisumu is unacceptable and has no place in a democratic society. Nobody can be proud of a country where people openly carry bows, arrows and pangas to attack innocent people,” Nyonje said.
Police action
The Chamber called on security agencies to move swiftly to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence and to secure business premises and places of worship during public gatherings.
Dr Nyonje added that continued unrest will undermine investor confidence, disrupt supply chains and reverse gains made in economic recovery.
He urged political leaders to exercise restraint and promote dialogue instead of inciting their supporters.
“We must protect our democracy, our businesses, and our people. Violence has no place in nation-building,” he said.