While addressing the media today, the government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, alleged that the economy had raked in billions of dollars in losses following a wave of nationwide anti-government protests in the past few weeks.
He also reckoned and empathized with traders following the enormous losses they’d encountered businesses went through, as many of them closed their premises during the long overhaul month of demonstration.
“We cannot forget the business people who suffered losses worth billions of shillings as their businesses remained closed. We wish to empathize with them as they strive to recoup their lost incomes. Overall, the country has lost approximately Ksh.6 billion as a result of demonstrations, according to the Kenya Revenue Authority,” he said.
He continued to say that the economy might perform dismally as a result of the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, which could spur the situation should the demonstrations spiral on, even as he appealed to the youth to halt protests and heed the call for dialogue with the government.
“Fears abound that if the protest continues, the economy will have a negative impact in this financial year as well, and we have a huge tax hole as a result of the rejection of Finance Bill 2024, amounting to Ksh. 346 billion.”
The anti-government demonstrations left a huge haul on the business community, which was caught unaware of the coming impediment to their business after a wave of protests rocked major towns in Kenya.
Some opted to co-protect their business premises after a looting spree and infernos swept across various trading centers, more so in Nairobi CBD and its surroundings. Many have placed the blame on the police after failing to protect their businesses.
The National Police Service warned yesterday that an organized criminal gang was planning to take advantage of the planned demonstrations in Nairobi CBD to instill more pain on traders reeling from the previous protests.
The policy has therefore blockaded any planned protests within the Nairobi CBD and its environment on Thursday amid the planned gathering at Uhuru Park Ground.
