Calm witnessed in Malindi on Maandamano Wednesday

Malindi,

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

KNA by Baraka Angore/Laura Wanjiku/Emmanuel Masha

An uneasy calmness was witnessed in Malindi Town, Kilifi County, Wednesday in the wake of country-wide demonstrations called by the opposition to among other issues press the government to lower the cost of living.

Police officers in full riot combat gear were deployed at the entry and exit points of the tourist resort town as early as 7am to monitor and counter any threats to peace and security, raising tension in the affected areas, but no ugly incidents were witnessed.

Businesses went on normally even as news filtered in the metropolis to the effect that a number of Kilifi leaders, among them Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Kilifi County Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire, and Kilifi North legislator Ken Chonga, had been arrested in Mombasa while on their way to Mtwapa town in Kilifi County to allegedly lead demonstrations.

Residents and businesspeople urged President William Ruto and the leaders of the opposition to give dialogue a chance in order to save Kenya from the ignominy of being considered a failed state.

Those interviewed had different opinions on the demonstrations, with supporters of the protests saying the protests were necessary to force the Kenya Kwanza administration to listen to the plight of Kenyans, who they claimed the Finance Act 2023 would complicate the already sorry economic woes.

They urged the government to allow peaceful protesters to voice their frustrations without any confrontations, saying the arrest of leaders could add fuel to the unrest that has been witnessed in the country since opposition chiefs announced they would hold demonstrations every Wednesday to Friday.

Some of the residents castigated the police for arresting local leaders and raising the tension that they claimed could lead to cancellations of hotel bookings, which have been reported to be impressive following the beginning of the high tourist season mid this month.

However, the business community called on the antagonistic leaders to find alternative ways of solving their differences instead of confrontations between protesters and the police as witnessed in various parts of the country.

"We understand the importance of expressing grievances, but we need stability for our businesses to survive," said Pauline Ondhuki, a trader along Malindi-Lamu road.

"The continuous protests have driven away tourists and made it difficult for us to retain staff.”

The situation is equally disconcerting for artisans and souvenir shop owners who heavily rely on tourism-driven sales.

"These demonstrations are necessary, but the impact on our livelihoods cannot be ignored," remarked Julius Mweni, a local business man. "Our businesses have been hit hard, and some of us may have to consider alternative livelihoods to survive."

His sentiments were echoed by businessman Swaleh Ali who remarked that although picketing is enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, there was need for organizers and the state to consider the economic wellbeing of communities living in the area.

Tuk tuk driver Frankin Mwaniki called on the opposition to allow President Ruto to deliver his promises to Kenyans instead of distracting him through endless protests.

Courtesy K.N.A