Gachagua Says Azimio Protests Have Cost the Country Sh2 Billion

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has castigated the opposition over the ongoing anti-government protests, claiming they have cost the country at least Sh2 billion in one day.

Speaking in Mombasa on Monday, Gachagua said several businesses in Nairobi’s central business district remained closed on Monday for fear of looting and destruction of property.

“Having considered what happened in Kisumu, where the Azimio people looted tents, chairs and food and Azimio people were threatening business people not to open by threatening that they will loot their wares,” Gachagua said.

“As a result, this morning because of the lack of business in the CBD, the country has lost almost Sh2 billion shillings in terms of business and this is money that should have been circulating in the economy.”

The deputy president appealed to Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders led by Raila Odinga to call off the demonstrations for the sake of the country’s economy.

“The economy had begun showing signs of recovery and we were getting a lot of affirmation from financial players and no other partners but the events that are being organized by the opposition is not good for business,” he said.

“It’s not good for the economy and we want to ask the organizers to consider calling off the mayhem and the chaos so that those that did not open up their businesses and shops can go back to work this afternoon.”

Odinga called for countrywide protests to “reclaim” their victory in the August 9th, 2022 general election and compel the government to lower the cost of living, among other demands.