DP Gachagua says Kenya's economy lost Ksh.2 billion due to Azimio demos

Speaking in Mombasa on Monday, Gachagua said the country had lost at least Ksh.2 billion on the first day of the Azimio protests.

"Quite a number of business people in Nairobi's CBD did not open their shops and businesses arising from fear of looting and destruction of property having considered what happened in Kisumu where the Azimio people looted chairs and food," said the DP.

"As a result this morning because of lack of business in the CBD the country has lost almost Ksh.2 billion in terms of business and this is money that should have been circulating in the economy."

Gachagua further stated that it was unfortunate that the Azimio leaders were holding demos when the country's economy had begun to improve.

"We want to urge these people to consider this afternoon to call off the chaos, mayhem, and intimidation because what they are doing is destroying our economy. The economy had begun showing signs of recovery and we were getting alot of information from international financial players and all other partners that the events that are being organised by the opposition are not good for the economy," he said.

He however assured Kenyans that all necessary measures had been taken to guarantee no lives is lost or property destroyed through the protests.

"I want to assure the people of Kenya that President William Ruto has given clear instructions to the police IG to protect life and property. The police have taken charge of the CBD. No life has been lost or property destroyed..." he said.

"We urge the people of Kenya to ignore being incited into violence and destruction of property because it is not good for the country. We have a country to run and we want to ask those organising chaos to be decent enough," said the DP.