MP Njoroge Wainaina Counts Costs After Anti-Finance Bill Protests Devastate Businesses

In a dramatic turn of events, Kieni Member of Parliament Njoroge Wainaina has revealed staggering losses totaling millions of Kenyan shillings following the destruction of his businesses during the anti-Finance Bill protests.

Wainaina disclosed that his supermarket in Kieni, Nyeri County, was ravaged during the protests, resulting in a financial blow estimated at Ksh. 550 million. The losses included Ksh. 450 million worth of stock and approximately Ksh. 100 million in equipment, including valuable bakery shelves. "Now, scrap metal dealers are combing through what's left, while my 350 employees are left without jobs," he expressed.

Despite the heavy toll, Wainaina stood firm on his decision to support the Finance Bill, citing its potential benefits for Kieni's agricultural sector. "I backed the Bill because it promised economic gains for our community, particularly our farmers producing onions, potatoes, eggs, and milk," he explained passionately.

Wainaina also alleged that the vandalism and looting were not spontaneous but orchestrated by infiltrators posing as peaceful demonstrators, echoing sentiments shared by fellow MPs. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also condemned the chaos, mourning the loss and damage inflicted during what began as a peaceful protest.

As tensions rose, Kenyans voiced their discontent online, circulating contact information of the 204 MPs who voted for the bill, demanding accountability from their elected representatives. The public outcry and sustained protests eventually compelled President William Ruto to backtrack, declining to sign the Finance Bill into law amidst widespread unrest.