It was business as usual in Murang’a town, where businesses operated as usual and no demonstrations took place, even as protests against the high cost of living happen in some parts of the country. From businesses like banks and supermarkets to bodaboda operators and other traders as well as service providers, residents carried out their usual activities uninterrupted. Speaking to KNA, one of the bodaboda riders, Stephene Muriithi, stated that he was not interested in being involved in any of the protests and that he was more focused on earning a living and providing for his family. Another trader, Jane Wairimu, noted that the protests were not making things better, as they were affecting many businesses and even learning in some schools. ‘These protests make no sense to me, and I don’t see their essence or what they are going to solve in relation to the current situation in the country because they are only leading to loss of life and property.’ Wairimu said, arguing that what we need is a consensus between the government and the opposition instead of protests. The transport sector has, however, been slightly affected as most travellers shun travelling to and from Nairobi. Today, although not in their usual numbers, matatus are conducting their operations as usual, unlike during the last protests on July 12, when they avoided that route completely. The ongoing protests have been called by opposition leader Raila Odinga of the Azimio coalition, who is decrying the high cost of living among other pertinent issues he wants addressed by the government.
Source: Kenya News Agency