Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
Businesses in Embu town faced significant losses as Gen Z-led demonstrations, initially aimed at demanding government accountability, escalated into violence and looting.
The protests, which began peacefully on Tuesday morning, later turned chaotic as fires were set in the central business district (CBD), obstructing major routes including those connecting Embu to Meru and Embu to Kiritiri.
The main Embu-Kiritiri highway was also blocked by fires, temporarily disrupting transportation and commerce.
It is alleged that the opportunistic hooligans exploited the chaos to loot several businesses, causing severe damage.
The affected establishments were Foodplug, Enjoy Shop at Rubis Petrol station opposite the Governor’s office, and the Highway Court Hotel building, which suffered significant glass breakage.
Despite police patrols across various parts of Embu town, the disturbances persisted. One youth in the protest defended the group, stating that Gen Z conducted their demonstration peacefully, but unknown hooligans joined and caused the destruction.
“Sadly, we saw the Finance Bill done away with, but the Appropriation Bill passed. That is why we won’t relent. We highly condemn those exploiting the demos to loot businesses,” said Ken Mutugi, a known Gen Z demos participant.
He emphasized that their primary motive was to demand greater accountability from the government promising to be vigilant in identifying and reporting the goons to the police.
Brian Murithi, a driver for Embu-Kiritiri Neno Sacco, reported losing not less than Sh2,000 due to the temporary business standstill caused by road blockages.
“If not for the protesters blocking Embu-Kiritiri Road, we would have completed four trips, making a good profit since early morning,” Murithi said.
Francis Kathuri, another driver from Smart Sacco, estimated that the total losses for the entire transport sector could exceed Sh50,000.
“The protests were chasing away our customers, and with many players in the transport sector, including those at fuel stations, we all suffer great losses. I suspect the total loss for the entire sector could not be less than Sh50,000 for the few hours our businesses have been disrupted,” he said.
Transport workers urge the government to address the protesters’ demands to restore normalcy.
“We are pleading with the government to listen to the needs of these people so that our businesses can return to normal,” Murithi added.
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