Embu:The business community in Embu County has appealed to politicians to lead efforts in promoting peaceful campaigns and political tolerance, noting the significant economic impact of political unrest on traders.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Embu Town, business representatives emphasized that violence and political confrontation should be absent from the county as political activities gain momentum. Charles Mugambi, Chairman of the Embu Business Owners Association, expressed the traders’ readiness to collaborate with politicians and their supporters to ensure that rallies do not interfere with local commerce and livelihoods.
Mugambi stressed the importance of a peaceful environment for business operations and urged political leaders to ensure their supporters conduct themselves responsibly. He advocated for leaders to promote peaceful interactions and respect community rights, which are crucial for business stability.
Emily Wawira, Chairperson of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Embu Chapter, echoed these sentiments. She condemned the use of young people to incite chaos during political rallies, stating that such actions endanger lives, disrupt businesses, and undermine traders’ livelihoods. Wawira urged for political tolerance, dialogue, and respect for differing political views.
The KNCCI official highlighted the past significant losses suffered by Embu traders due to political violence and property destruction. She called on political leaders and supporters to prevent confrontations that could disrupt economic activities, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a recurrence of incidents that have adversely affected businesses.
The traders committed to continued engagement with political leaders, security agencies, young people, and other stakeholders to foster peaceful campaigns, address drug abuse, and safeguard Embu’s business environment. They expressed concern over the rise in drug and substance abuse, which they linked to violence, disorder, and the exploitation of young people during political events. The traders urged collective efforts by the government, community leaders, businesses, and families to tackle this issue and protect the youth from involvement in criminal activities.
