Traders plan to stage protest at Mama Ngina's residence

A group of individuals allied to Kenya Kwanza during a press conference at Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

A group of individuals allied to Kenya Kwanza that purport to represent traders yesterday notified the police of their intention to protest at the residence of former First Lady Ngina Kenyatta in Muthaiga, Nairobi.

A notice addressed to the Muthaiga Police Station, indicated that the group has planned a peaceful march to Mama Ngina's residence today.

Coincidentally, this is the day the opposition has scheduled protests against the high cost of living.

The notice, dated July 18, was signed by Theuri Wanjiru, who claimed to be the chairperson of the Business community. Wanjiru stated that the procession would consist of concerned traders and community members who would proceed to the former First Lady's residence.

"While our gathering will be resolute, we emphasise that its nature is peaceful and respectful. During our procession, our demonstrations will respectfully plead with the former First Lady to request her sons to cease financing demonstrations that have been adversely affecting our businesses," he said.

This notice to storm the former First Lady's residence comes months after a group raided opposition leader Raila Odinga's gas plant, East Africa Spectre Limited in Nairobi, and Kenyatta family's Northlands land farm in Kiambu.

Both invasions occurred without any police intervention. However, the police have promised to investigate the matter and apprehend those responsible.

When contacted for comment, Police Spokesperson Dr Resila Atieno Onyango said she was unaware of the protest notice but promised to consult regional commanders on the same before reverting back.

"I am not aware, but I will talk to the regional commanders and get back to you," she said.

The planned protest at Mama Ngina's residence adds another layer of tension to the ongoing political climate in Kenya, where opposing factions continue to clash over various issues, including the cost of living and alleged financial support for demonstrations.

The situation remains fluid, and the response from authorities and the former First Lady on the matter had not come by the time of going to press.

"I will get back," she said.

Wanjiru said that the team of traders informed the police that they intend to visit Mama Ngina's residence so that she can intervene and stop the demonstrations, which are heavily affecting their businesses.

"We will take a petition to her about our frustrations as traders affected by Maandamano," Wanjiru said, adding that, "we ask her not to prepare tea for us tomorrow since we will be many, about 5,000 people. Today, we came to the police with 100 of us, but tomorrow we will require protection as we will be many."

He said that they earn a living through small businesses in Nairobi, and they are greatly affected by maandamano.