Anti-govt protests have cost Kenya Sh6bn in losses - Isaac Mwaura

The ongoing demonstrations across several counties have inflicted a financial toll of approximately Sh6 billion on the country, according to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mwaura referenced statistics from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to substantiate his claim.

“The government regrets the occasional recurrence of the violence that has rocked the country in the past month since the first protest. KRA estimates that the country has incurred approximately Ksh.6 billion in losses due to the demonstrations,” Mwaura said.

He expressed fear about the potential long-term effects on the economy if the protests persist.

“If the protests continue, the economy will have a negative impact in this new financial year,” he said.

He called on the youths to agree to President William Ruto’s call to dialogue so as to avoid destabilising the country.

“We appeal to our youth to reconsider their plans to hold the demonstration since that which they were clamouring for has been adhered to, and goons have infiltrated to destabilise the country’s peace and prosperity,” Mwaura said.

Ruto has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the youth so as to address their issues and focus on the way forward for the country.

However, the president's appeal to discussion has been strongly rejected by young people and several leaders, who claim they want action rather than talk.

Wiper Party, led by Kalonzo Musyoka said the current regime is ignorant of the message by Gen Zs which is ‘action now.’

The opposition-affiliated party appealed to Ruto to instead deal with Gen Z concerns by addressing the issues raised through the recent protests rather than pushing to have a meeting with their so-called representatives.

“In terms of the Gen Z revolution, it appears that Ruto lacks an understanding of public sentiment. Generation Z does not wish to engage in dialogue. They want action, and Wiper agrees,” the party said in a statement after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

They noted that the challenges presently plaguing the country are beyond dialogue and require only implementation.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the four week protests have so far led to the deaths of 50 people, left 413 individuals injured and left 59 others either abducted or are missing.

In addition, 682 people have been arbitrarily arrested.

Despite repeated appeals to end the abductions, the Commission stated that kidnappings, illegal arrests, and torture of innocent Kenyans persist.