Journalists attacked as goons disrupt Kiambu traders meeting

Journalists covering a Thursday meeting convened to challenge business rates and levies imposed by the Kiambu County Government were attacked and their equipment destroyed and stolen by goons, allegedly hired by MCAs believed to be supporters of Governor Kimani Wamatangi.

Reports indicate that the goons disrupted the meeting, objecting to the matter being discussed publicly, despite Wamatangi's declaration that the rates would be lowered by 50%.

In the midst of the commotion, county government officials were denied the opportunity to address the meeting. The situation then escalated into skirmishes, forcing everyone to flee for their lives.

Led by Limuru Traders' chairman, the traders, who had organized the meeting, expressed their frustration with the business license rates and levies imposed by the county government, labeling them punitive. They vowed not to remit any funds to the county until their concerns are heard.

Limuru East MCA Paul Macharia Kawambui condemned the violent disruption, urging Wamatangi to adhere to the law as outlined in the Finance Bill passed by the Kiambu County Assembly, which clearly specifies the rates and levies for all businesses in the county.