Nairobi Traders Urge Gachagua to Keep Planned Protests Out of the Capital

By Irine Chebet, Nairobi

The Nairobi business community has urged organisers of planned demonstrations led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to reconsider staging the protests in the capital, warning that such action could disrupt economic activity and threaten public safety.

In a statement issued by the group’s chairperson Nelson Githaiga, the lobby said it supports the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but cautioned against actions that could paralyse commercial operations in the city.

“We fully respect the constitutional right of every Kenyan to peaceful assembly and expression. However, business owners, workers, parents and residents of Nairobi also have a right to carry on with their daily economic activities without disruption,” Githaiga said.

The traders noted that many businesses are already grappling with a tough economic environment and cannot afford further losses arising from street protests.

“They cannot afford to close their shops or suspend operations due to demonstrations,” he said, adding that grievances linked to recent events in Nyeri would be better addressed closer to where they occurred, rather than in Nairobi.

The lobby group argued that if the protests relate to incidents in Witima, then holding demonstrations there would minimise disruption to businesses and residents in the capital.

Business leaders also appealed to President William Ruto and the National Police Service to guarantee security and ensure normal operations continue uninterrupted.

“We urge the police to uphold the law, maintain peace and protect businesses, school-going children, workers and all residents of Nairobi from any unlawful activities,” the statement read.

Githaiga emphasised the need to strike a balance between safeguarding constitutional freedoms and protecting economic stability.

“Our appeal is for balance. Respect for constitutional freedoms must go hand in hand with the protection of economic stability and public safety for the people of Nairobi,” he said.

Political tensions have been escalating in parts of the Mount Kenya region in recent days, with several leaders planning rallies and public engagements. Authorities are yet to outline specific security measures for the anticipated demonstrations.