The second week of opposition protests proves to be a tough test for businesses across the city. The suspension of commuter train services scheduled for Monday is a case in point.
In a statement on Sunday evening, Kenya Railways management said all Madaraka Express link trains between Nairobi Central Station and the Nairobi Terminus will, however, run as scheduled.
The businesses especially in Nairobi stands between a rock and a hard place as traders are bracing for another day of mass protests called by the Azimio La Umoja coalition led by Mr Odinga.
The opposition leaders, while addressing congregants during a church service yesterday in Embakasi Constituency, maintained their firm stance announcing that the anti-government protests would take place on Mondays and Thursdays.
Read: The Hospitality Industry Shivered by Weekly protests
This move proves disruptive for businesses going by last week’s Monday scenes where many had to shut shop, with some premises being looted and properties destroyed by a section of the protestors.
Last week, activities at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), a barometer of investor sentiments, defied the day-long demonstrations with telecommunications service provider Safaricom registering a 9.8 percent gain to close at Kshs17.95 as investors bought into the counter that had been battered for days to record lows.
Read: Details Of Azimio Leader Raila Odinga’s Nationwide Mass Action
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged that the country lost around Kshs2 billion in terms of business following the protests sparked by anti-government calls from the opposition coalition. However, he did not explain how he arrived at the financial loss.
This morning there has been heavy police presence on major roads in Nairobi ready to counter the Azimio demos. Deployments started at midnight on Sunday with police at times mounting roadblocks to inspect approaching vehicles.
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