Business activity in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) was disrupted for a second day on Tuesday as anti-government protests forced widespread closures and halted normal operations.
Shops, offices, and learning institutions remained shut as demonstrators clashed with police and unidentified gangs reportedly attacked protestors and bystanders alike.
Several shops were looted. One person was shot by police, fuelling fears of further escalation.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat, named as the complainant in the case, has since stepped aside to allow investigations.
The financial impact of the protests is yet to be fully assessed. However, Nairobi County, which collects about Sh35 million daily in revenue, is among the hardest hit.
The county raised Sh12.8 billion in the financial year ending June 2024.
“June is a peak month for admissions, and we’ve suffered major disruptions,” said Helson Ongeso, principal of Uhandisi Training Institute on Kenyatta Avenue.
“Business depends on a peaceful environment. This unrest is hurting the economy.”
Protest organisers say they will continue demonstrations every Tuesday and Thursday until those responsible for Ojwang’s death are prosecuted..
