Nairobi Business Community march hit with tear gas in city centre – PHOTOS
Riot police fired tear gas at protesters in the city centre on Wednesday who were attempting to march to Parliament.
The huge group of protesters, claiming to be the Nairobi Business Community, accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of killing the economy.
Some of the protesters carried banners directly addressed to President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto, questioning if their fifth agenda is to kill businesses.
A group under a similar name had supported President Kenyatta’s re-election bid in August 2017.
CRACKDOWN ON CONTRABANDS
Protesters who spoke to Nairobi News said the recent crackdown on contrabands had affected the importation of goods.
“We are paying high taxes yet we cannot do business in this town without having to pay bribes. We need the government to create a good environment for business people,” John Kamau said.
The protesters, in two large groups, marched towards Parliament buildings but were met with anti-riot police who had been deployed early morning in lorries .
“We have no intention of causing any trouble, we just want to present our grievances to the MPs. As they debate, they need to think about the business environment in the country,” Caroline Wanjiku told Nairobi News.
During the march, the protesters chased away street children who had joined them, accusing them of wanting to take advantage and steal from pedestrians.
They also made stops along streets urging their colleagues to close down shops and join them in the protest.