After what was described as a warm welcome for President William Ruto in the Mount Kenya region, some citizens have been left angry.
Traders in Laikipia and Kirinyaga counties are counting major losses after being ordered to shut down their businesses to go cheer the head of state.
This schedule surprised many, causing major disruption to traders who were forced to close their businesses for the first time in many years.
“We were not informed that we would be removed from our stalls to welcome the president. County officials accompanied by police arrived at the market at 9 a.m. and ordered us to shut down,” recalled Ms. Elizabeth Nyawira.
Ms. Nyawira said that over 1,000 traders were left idle for seven hours, waiting until the evening when they were allowed to return after President Ruto had left.
In Kirinyaga County, traders in Kagio town also reported losses following President Ruto’s visit to the area.
Traders said that government officials and police forced them to close bars and other businesses to welcome the President, who had come to launch a Sh600 million modern market project.
“Administrators and police went from business to business ordering us to shut down,” said one trader.
They complained that their day was ruined as they made no sales from morning until evening when the President left.
“We were ordered to close in the morning and wait for the President, who arrived at 5 p.m. and addressed us until 6 p.m. During all that time, we did no business. We are returning to the dark days of the KANU regime when President Moi forced people to close schools and businesses to welcome him with praise songs,” said another trader.
The traders complained of widespread intimidation during the President’s visit, expressing their deep dissatisfaction.
“This is not fair. How can we be forced to shut our businesses to welcome the President? Why are we being forced to support him? This will harm President Ruto’s image,” said one trader in Kagio.
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