The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has expressed concern about the government’s threat to arrest top Azimio leaders, claiming that such an action would cause significant damage and worsen an already dire situation for businesses.
According to KNCCI, the Azimio protests on Wednesday, July 12, caused significant damage, and arresting top Azimio leaders will only exacerbate the situation.
Several Azimio leaders were arrested and questioned during the protest on Monday. Those detained included ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya and Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau.
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio Party, cancelled the planned Kamukunji rally due to allegations of an attack.
He, on the other hand, vowed that the opposition would not be intimidated and that Azimio would resume protests on Wednesday, July 19, after five days of mourning for those who died in the protests.
KNNCI Director James Wanjohi Njoroge emphasised that businesses have already suffered greatly, with billions of shillings lost, and urged Kenya Kwanza to speak with Azimio leaders to find amicable solutions to the issues that prompted opposition protests rather than chest-thumping and escalating tensions.
The KNCCI also condemned the destructions and urged that those responsible for the devastation be held accountable, echoing the calls of government officials such as President William Ruto, Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
“The Government has tonight mobilized all the law enforcement agencies of the State and the institutions of our country’s criminal justice system to conclude investigations urgently and proceed to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the planning and execution of the crimes committed today, including those who funded or otherwise aided or abetted the offenders,” the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said.
Wanjohi also urged youths not to allow being used by political leaders who only want to thrive.
“Youths I humbly request you to use your common sense. Do not be used by political leaders. Let us exercise reason and maintain peace,” he concluded.
