By Ebi Kesiena
In Kisii, a town located in the southwestern part of Kenya, most businesses remain closed for the better part of Thursday.
Traders cited the fear of possible looting as the main reason for staying away from their shops. The town’s commercial activities were significantly disrupted, with several small-scale traders who typically sell their goods on the streets, also failing to report to work.
Shops that had been affected by looting on Tuesday were among those that remained shut. According to local media, a spot check revealed that some traders were busy fixing broken grills on their doors in preparation for reopening.
Despite the anticipated protests, by 3 PM there had been no significant demonstrations. Anti-riot police were seen patrolling the streets, moving from one area to another in a bid to maintain order. Reports indicated that over eight patrol vehicles with police in full anti-riot gear were actively monitoring the situation.
Traders who spoke to the media expressed caution and uncertainty about reopening their businesses fully. Benard Makori, who operates a small shop, said, “I opened mine briefly and attended to a few customers before I closed. I am, however, still hovering around just in case.”
Separately, officials from the Kisii County Bar Owners and Hoteliers (KCBOH) condemned the Tuesday raids by suspected goons on various establishments in Kisii town. At least three major joints suffered significant losses as food and drinks were carted away. A dealer in a wines and spirits shop reported a loss of stock worth Sh2.4 million during the protests. KCBOH chair Eric Matagaro noted that the losses suffered by most of their members run into millions of shillings.
Matagaro called on the youth to conduct their protests peacefully and refrain from looting businesses. “We may not stop the demos because it is your constitutional right, but do them in a way that does not infringe on the rights of traders,” he urged.
As the situation continues to unfold, traders and residents remain vigilant, hoping for a return to normalcy and the safe reopening of their businesses.
