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Traders in Homa Bay have decried huge losses after three days of anti-government demonstrations in the county.
The traders said the protests which occurred last week Wednesday, Thursday and Friday caused them losses worth millions.
Most traders who were affected are those selling perishable food items as some had to throw away their items which got bad due to lack of storage and sales during the protest.
Homa Bay Giant Traders Association chairman Jack Nyambega said traders dealing in fruits and vegetables are known to sell their goods as soon as they harvest them.
“Many traders especially those who sell vegetables, fruits and other perishable goods had to discard the commodities because they got rotten. Most of the commodities couldn’t be sold,” Nyambega said.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, the traders’ official said affected traders depend on daily sales to feed their families.
The suspension of business during the three days of protests means that the economic income of many traders was considerably cut.
The association said they are assessing the situation before they can give estimates on the losses the traders incurred.
Nyambega, however, said the losses could be in the millions.
“We’re urging the protagonists President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to amicably save the situation. Ending political differences will save traders who depend on their daily sales,” he said.
The county government of Homa Bay also recorded a decline in revenue collection during the protest.
County spokesperson Rachel Ogutu said the devolved unit draws revenue from traders in markets among other areas.
During the protests, activities in the markets were suspended and the county government could not collect any funds.
Ogutu said the county collects more than Sh500, 000 daily as revenue but this was disrupted by the protests.
“The collection dropped drastically on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday because of protests,” Ogutu said. BY THE STAR