The business community in Homa Bay town is counting losses of more than Sh2 million following the anti-government demonstrations on Monday.
The demonstration was conducted in the town after the youths heeded to calls by Azimio- One Kenya leader Raila Odinga.
Youths disrupted businesses as they engaged police in running battles and pelted stones during the protests. The police had to use teargas to disperse the youths.
The protest forced many traders in the town to close their businesses prematurely as the demos began around 11 am and ended at about 5 pm.
A spot check conducted on Tuesday by the Star revealed that many traders were forced to discard their perishable commodities due to a lack of buyers.
Mary Otieno, a trader said she had to dispose of her fish after they went bad.
“Rioting youths started demonstrations before I could sell my fresh fish. The demos went on for long and it forced me to throw away my fish because they went bad,” Otieno said.
The traders' chairman Jack Nyambega said they incurred losses of more than Sh2 million.
“We’ve incurred huge losses as a result of the demonstrations. Traders did not sell anything on Monday,” Nyambega said.
He called on the youth and police to embrace peace during demonstrations.
“It should be noted that the ongoing demonstrations should be done without throwing stones at police, while cops should also avoid using force. We need peace,” he said.
This happened as Azimio supporters vowed to continue participating in the demos. They argued that they want the cost of living lowered.
Youth leader Robert Ouko said they will do peaceful demos without interfering with other businesses.
“What we’re demanding is the low cost of living. The government should understand the pleas of many Kenyans,” Ouko said.