Demonstrations rattle Naivasha's economy, raise fears of job losses

Viwandani Police Post in Naivasha that was burnt down by protesting youths in Naivasha in a day which left two people dead after they were shot by police. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The flower and fisheries sectors, which employ hundreds in Naivasha, have started to feel the pinch of demonstrations, raising fears of job losses in the coming days. 

Leaders in Naivasha have blamed the violent demonstrations that have seen roads blocked and inflammatory statements as the main reasons for the current impasse.

Speaking during a business stakeholders' meeting in Karagita Estate, Hells Gate MCA, Virginia Wamaitha expressed concern over increasing political tensions driven by realignments and power struggles.

She criticised leaders who, in her view, were fuelling unrest through careless public remarks, noting that leaders must take responsibility and avoid inciting violence due to political pressure.

She also called for a review of President William Ruto’s recently issued "shoot-to-maim" directive, warning that it risks causing further harm to young people participating in protests. 

Wamaitha condemned the killing of numerous youths during recent demonstrations, arguing that those involved in looting and destruction should be apprehended and prosecuted rather than shot.

Wamaitha underscored the need for peace, noting that the protests have negatively impacted the local economy, particularly the flower and fishing industries.

Echoing similar sentiments, local cleric Bishop Rodgers Mutali criticised political narratives that risked dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines. 

He also rebuked leaders making open calls for electoral fraud, saying such declarations erode public trust in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and its processes.

Mutali urged the youth to channel their energy towards voter registration, enabling them to effect change through the ballot rather than violence.

Youth leader Oscar Mapesa affirmed that young people in Naivasha would not engage in protests that lead to the destruction of property.

He called on President Ruto to heed the demands of the Gen Z-led movement, especially on matters of governance reforms and job creation.

“We urge police not to obey unlawful orders to open fire on protestors. Instead, those engaging in violence and looting should be arrested and prosecuted,” Mapesa said.

Margret Omire, the leader of Naivasha Women for Peace, also condemned political leaders whose remarks threaten to incite Kenyans as the political climate heats up.

Omire urged the government to create an enabling environment for employment, stressing that rising youth unemployment has been a major driver of recent protests.