Nyanza traders react after Raila called off weekly protests
Traders from the Nyanza region have lauded Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party for calling off weekly anti-government protests.
Speaking to journalists, the traders said that the Kenyan economy was hurting, which put many businesses at risk of going under, if the demos persisted.
“Many of us were uncertain of what would happen to us tomorrow if the protest continued,’’ John Omollo, a trader in Nyanza said, adding that his business was facing an uncertain future if the protests persisted.
Nyanza branch Kenya National Chamber of Commerce Chairman Israel Agina called for support of those affected, urging financial institutions to consider restructuring loans for affected businesses. Some of the traders interviewed revealed that they were servicing loans ranging between Ksh30,000 and Ksh60,000 per month.
“We want banks to extend the loans repayment periods due to the demonstrations effect,’’ Agina said
Agina also wants the state to come up with an economic stimulus package to support the traders whose businesses were either looted or vandalized.
“The state has a social contract to safeguard life and property, if this was not done, it’s our humble appeal they find ways to help those affected,” Agina added.
A transporter John Odhiambo, who owns a truck in Kisumu, claimed that he is servicing a Ksh60,000 loan each month.
“Our target is daily return, which we rely on when the tracks are hired. It means if we don’t work, the monthly targets will be reduced,’’ said Odhiambo.
Similar pleas were raised by several other traders whose businesses were destroyed or affected by the protests, which were staged on Monday and Thursday.
Ken Onyango, a hotelier, claimed on Mondays, he used to make a profit of between Ksh3, 000 and Ksh5,000.
“Monday being a market day in Awendo town, we made more profits,’’ he disclosed.
But the protests meant that on Mondays they close, which, consequently, dimmed his weekly earnings.
In Kisumu, Mary Otieno, who runs a cereal business, claimed she had to close for two days, accounting for over Ksh10,000 in weekly losses.
She claimed most of her customers were hoteliers and so when they close, the effect is enormous.
“It is our hope that the government and the opposition would find lasting solutions," said Otieno
But bodaboda operators had mixed signals with some claiming that they made brisk business. Others decried the lack of passengers during the demos as many shied from travelling.
James Owiti, a rider in Kisumu, claimed that most people resorted to bodabodas to run their errands. With the roads blocked, it was the only alternative means to shuttle in the villages and local towns.
“It is most of us who were on the streets, and so we also took advantage to mint money,’’ said Owiti.
Kings Owino, however, claimed that they lost business due to limited travel.
“Most people shied and so we lost businesses both on Mondays and Thursdays,’’ he said.
On a good running day, Owino said he would make about Ksh700 to Ksh1,000 after deducting the cost of fuel.
Most bodaboda operators run on loans where each day, week or month they part with up to Ksh1,000.
The traders hoped that President William Ruto and Opposition leaders led by Mr Raila Odinga will find lasting solutions.
The concerns come at a time when the economy has reached a moral hazard, with the country going for more loans abroad.
Raila calls off protests
On Sunday, Raila called off demonstrations that were scheduled for Monday, April 3, to allow engagement with the State on the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The move follows President William Ruto's proposal for consideration of a bi-partisan parliamentary engagement to address Raila's concerns regarding the recruitment of new IEBC commissioners.
Speaking to the press on Sunday evening, Raila welcomed Ruto's statement, terming it a positive development.
"We acknowledge Mr Ruto’s olive branch for a dialogue on the key issues raised by Azimio La Umoja. To us, this a positive development," Raila stated.
Raila said a balanced parliamentary process co-chaired by both sides and backed by experts was an appropriate way to deal with the stalemate that saw the opposition call for anti-government protests twice a week - on Mondays and Thursdays - to pressure the government to address its grievances that also included the current high cost of living.
