Homa Bay,

Monday March 21 2023,

K.N.A

By Linet Mwajuma

Businesses in Homa Bay town took a hit yesterday following demonstrations called by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders.

Both large and small businesses counted losses as they closed down ahead of the demonstrations.

In Homa Bay town which was the epicenter of the protests, businesses remained shut throughout the day with few that had opened in the morning closing hurriedly as it became apparent that they risked huge losses due to looting.

Yesterday Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that businesses lost an estimated Sh2 billion due to the countrywide protests.

In Homa Bay County many of the businesses that were affected were shops retailing different products, eateries, supermarkets, and other service providers both within Homa Bay town and on the outskirts.

According to Millicent Adhiambo, a shop retailer in Homa Bay town, the demos cost losses running into thousands of shillings. “Shops were closed due to unrests resulting in poor turnover which will have a big impact on the general economy,” Millicent stressed.

Hawkers in Homa Bay town were also affected by the protests since they largely rely on hawking for a living.

A hawker Fred Onyango told the press that the countrywide protests are not helping them.

“It is unfortunate because hawkers rely on daily earnings and so yesterday many of us did not put food on the table. The demonstrations are not really helping small traders,” he noted.

The protests also hit transport businesses in many parts of the county hard. According to Vincent Obura a matatu driver, yesterday’s protests hindered them from their daily activities as roads were blocked by protesters making their work very difficult.

“Roads were blocked by protesters largely paralyzing transport while many public transport vehicles were packed,” he regretted.

Courtesy K.N.A