Kenya’s private sector is calling for calm and a return to the rule of law following a surge in public unrest triggered by recent incidents of police brutality and violent protests across the capital.
Speaking during the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Annual General Meeting, business leaders voiced deep concern over what they termed a growing erosion of legal safeguards and civic order.
The lobby group warned that ongoing instability could jeopardize Kenya’s reputation as a regional hub for investment and trade.
“Continued unrest risks undoing years of collaboration with the government and international partners in creating a stable business environment,” KEPSA said in a statement, adding that the country could face long-term consequences if the unrest persists.
The statement came in the wake of Tuesday’s mass demonstrations, sparked by public outrage over the death of teacher and political commentator Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
What began as peaceful protests quickly spiralled into chaos, forcing widespread business shutdowns.
Major retailers, financial institutions, and hospitality outlets in Nairobi’s central business district closed their doors, fearing property damage and looting.
In one incident that drew national and international attention, a hawker selling face masks was shot in broad daylight by a uniformed police officer.
The shooting, caught on multiple cameras, ignited fresh condemnation of Kenya’s law enforcement tactics.
Videos circulating online showed groups of men armed with crude weapons roaming city streets alongside police officers.
Protesters accused the government of deploying hired goons to disrupt demonstrations—a charge Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has publicly denied.
However, Sakaja acknowledged the destruction and looting that occurred and called for restraint from all parties.
KEPSA expressed condolences to the families of those injured or killed during the protests, stating:
“We send our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives or been injured at the hands of security officers or otherwise, while exercising their rights to peaceful assembly as enshrined in the Constitution.”
The alliance underscored the importance of protecting young people—who form the backbone of Kenya’s workforce—warning that continued violence could threaten jobs, disrupt livelihoods, and discourage future investment.
While recognising the difficult conditions faced by security personnel, KEPSA called on law enforcement to uphold constitutional standards and maintain public order without resorting to excessive force.
The group concluded by urging all parties, including government agencies, civil society, and demonstrators, to engage in dialogue and de-escalate tensions for the sake of economic stability and national cohesion.
