Alfred Mutua blames opponents for anti-Bill protests

BY VICTOR NZUMA

MACHAKOS, KENYA:  Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has said political intrigues will not deter him from his plans for the county.

In reference to traders who demonstrated over fees levied under the Finance Bill, Dr Mutua said his detractors would not cow him.

Mutua said it was unfortunate the traders resorted to street protests instead of seeking proper channels to have their grievances addressed.

“Instead of seeking proper channels to address their grievances, they chose to magnify it politically to show their might, which is regrettable” said the governor.

He accused a section of the traders of being used by some politicians to advance their selfish destructive and divisive agenda.

He called on the people of Machakos not to be used to creat unnecessary tension whose intention was to wreck the economy of the town.

“My doors are wide open for any dialogue but surprisingly, nobody bothered to seek any audience with me. Instead they opted to cause unwarranted anxiety for individuals’ political score,” added Mutua.

Contacted, the Chairman, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Simon Kitheka, said the chamber’s governing council would meet to map out the way forward.

He called on the traders to be patient as the chamber worked out the next cause of action that will see the entire county participate in another demonstration.

He said some members of the county assembly were against the Bill and ready to support their course.

Yatta MP Francis Mwangangi yesterday urged the county government and the local business community to settle the dispute over the contentious Bill amicably, and avoid unnecessary wrangles.

Mr Mwangangi spoke as the traders counted heavy loses following last Friday’s mass demonstration, which brought business to a standstill over a controversial Finance Bill that hiked trade licences.