Traders in Maseno Counting losses, After Students Demonstrated After Their Colleague Was Shot
Traders in Maseno town counting losses after Maseno university students engaged police in riots/Photo Cynthia Ochieng
Traders in Maseno town are counting huge losses following the ongoing students’ strike with regard to the killing of a third-year student on Monday.
Shops and businesses in the town have been closed down due to the confrontations between the students and the law enforcers.
During the protests, students broke into various shops, took valuable goods, and even destroyed property. The most affected is Sairam Supermarket located just opposite the school. A viral video showed students escaping with gas cylinders and water tanks. The building was also stoned. Efforts to reach the Management of the supermarket were futile.
Kevin Omaya, a shopkeeper and parent residing in Maseno says Maseno University should reach an amicable understanding with the police as well as the rioting students as soon as possible so that people can go back to their usual businesses.
“This strike is affecting our businesses. I have two children in high school who are supposed to resume school today but they will have to postpone. The little money that I get from this business is the one my entire family depends on for their sustainability but since yesterday we have been forced to close down. I thank God that my shop was not invaded as is the case with Sairam Supermarket; otherwise, I would be counting more and more losses. The economy is already draining us as it is. Much is required from us parents and we try and sacrifice so that our children can live the life we never lived,” said Mr. Omaya.
Ann, a Mpesa shop attendant is also counting losses after her shop was destroyed and money stolen.
“I had close to Ksh 70,000 cash. Today when I came to the shop, I was shocked to find the door had been broken and everything in the shop had been stolen. Scratch cards worth Ksh 2,000 were also taken. I am heartbroken because I am only an employee. I don’t know if my little salary will be deducted at the end of the month. I can only pray to God that my boss understands that this was not my fault,” said Ann.
Negotiations between the student leaders and the Vice chancellors to restore calmness among the comrades are currently underway with students awaiting official communication from the Student Organization of Maseno University SOMU Chair.
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