Business owners in Thika, Kiambu County, have been strongly urged to keep away from upcoming demonstrations to safeguard their lives and property from possible looting and vandalism.
Alfred Wanyoike, chair of the Thika Business Association, explained that traders had agreed that closing shops and staying indoors is the safest choice. He noted that peaceful assembly remains a constitutional right.
Wanyoike warned that earlier protests had been taken over by criminals intent on damaging businesses. He stressed that the local economy cannot afford to jeopardise the safety of its merchants, staff or clients.
He added that a single day of disruption can cause severe financial loss, making temporary closures a better option than risking complete destruction.
Ruiru parliamentary hopeful Sammy Onyango.
Echoing this sentiment, Onyango urged citizens to stay off the streets and instead exercise their right to vote in the 2027 general election to remove the current administration.
Alongside Samuel Ndungu, Onyango appealed for Kenyans to honor those who lost their lives in past struggles through quiet reflection and prayer, instead of confronting volatile situations that could bring more bloodshed.
Published by Kiambu Observer.