Mombasa

Tuesday March 21, 2023

K.N.A

By Sadik Hassan 

It was normal business along all the major streets in Mombasa County and environs as residents snubbed Azimio’s call for protests over alleged high cost of living among other issues.

A spot check by KNA showed that shops in Mwembe Tayari, Digo Road, and Moi Avenue remained open and Mama Ngina Drive that leads to the offices of the Regional Commissioner and Mombasa State House had not been barricaded by security officers as had been expected.

However, traders complained of reduced sales as some people remained indoors fearing the protests could turn chaotic.

“Traders are scared because they don’t know what will happen if the protest commences. They are afraid of their business, everyone is working in fear. Customers have significantly reduced we don’t know what will happen in the course of the day. We are alert in case of anything to save our business,’’ said Esther Mwalimu a trader operating on the Island side of the Likoni Ferry crossing channel.

“In Mombasa, we are thankful that our businesses are going well, even though the business is not like on a normal day; we are grateful for the calm,” another trader Alex Nyawa said.

Emmanuel Ngumbao a tout for Taita-Taveta bound matatus at Mwembe Tayari hailed Mombasa residents for going on with their day-to-day activities unlike during previous protests where businesses were disrupted.

“We as the people of Mombasa are safe, we live as brothers. Activities are going on as usual, students are going back to school after the half-term break.  Those protesting should ask themselves if their lives will improve or deteriorate,” stated Simon Khamis a trader along Jomo Kenyatta Avenue.

Courtesy K.N.A