Stop the harmful protests, KEPSA tells Raila Odinga

Carole Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of KEPSA.[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has raised concern over recent countrywide protests held by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leaders.

In a statement dated Thursday, March 23, KEPSA said destruction of property and loss of lives could cause serious economic harm to Kenya.

"Demonstrations where property and lives are lost, such as what we witnessed on Monday [March 20], do not have any winner and we all stand to lose," said KEPSA.

"Such actions undermine the future of the country, cause economic damage and cause apprehension and fear. Such actions also undermine the future generation due to disruptions in learning institutions," added the private sector alliance.

In their statement, KEPSA expressed displeasure with Azimio leader Raila Odinga's call for boycott of some products.

"We are particularly distressed by the unjustified attack on economic drivers such as media, telecommunication and banking institutions that have been cited for consumer boycotts," KEPSA said.

"The private sector players such as KCB, Safaricom and The Star, directly and indirectly, employ thousands of politically-neutral Kenyans from all walks of life, who must remain shielded from political distress."

Odinga accuses President William Ruto's administration of doing nothing to cushion Kenyans against the high cost of living. He also claims that President Ruto is in office undeservedly.