I lost over Ksh.500 million during anti-Finance Bill protests - Kieni MP

The lawmaker noted that he suffered losses amounting to Ksh.550 million during the Tuesday protests after his supermarket in Kieni, Nyeri County was razed down. 

These included stock worth Ksh.450 million and equipment such as bakery shelves estimated to cost around Ksh.100 million. 

Further, the legislator claimed he paid the price for voting in support of the Finance Bill. 

"The scrap metal dealers are now scavenging for the metallic stands that remained after the inferno even as the employees have been left jobless," he told The Standard, pointing out that he had 350 employees. 

The lawmaker explained that despite incurring huge losses, he did not regret voting for the Bill as he did for the sake of his constituents. 

"I voted in support of the Bill because the people of Kieni stood to benefit from it being an agricultural zone where our people farm onions, potatoes, eggs and milk will enjoy all the way to the bank because the competition from outside the country would have been reduced with the passage of the bill," he noted. 

The MP also alleged that the vandalism and looting were orchestrated by goons posing as peaceful protestors. 

Several MPs who supported the bill have acknowledged paying the price for their stance, which contradicted the voice of the people. 

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also condemned the chaos after his Timber XO nightclub was vandalised. 

"What transpired on Tuesday, which followed an otherwise peaceful protest by Gen-Z is unfortunate. However, the magnitude of loss of lives, looting and property destruction that happened is appalling and it negates the spirit of our constitution," he said. 

Kenyans online were hell-bent on pursuing the 204 MPs who voted in support of the bill following the passing of the Second Reading stage.

The lawmakers' numbers were shared online as Kenyans voiced their frustrations on the leaders who are supposed to represent the will of the people. 

As pressure mounted and protests raged on, President William Ruto ceded and declined to sign the Finance Bill.