The country has lost approximately Ksh6 billion to a wave of protests that have rocked the country, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has disclosed.
In his weekly address on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Mwaura stated that the country stands to make more losses if the protests persist in the coming weeks.
While pointing at the data obtained from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Mwaura expressed fear that the country is likely to experience an economic downtime due to an extended wave of protests.
More shocks
Mwaura detailed that the government is grappling with how to implement various austerity measures following the public rejection of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 which was set to raise Ksh346 billion.
Further, Mwaura indicated that the government has a pending bill of about Ksh220 billion from the last financial year.
“The country has lost approximately Ksh6 billion according to KRA as a result of demonstrations. Fears are bound that if the protests continue, the economy will have a negative impact,” Mwaura stated.
Besides the country, Mwaura further explained entrepreneurs have incurred losses as a result of the weekly protests.
Apart from looting and vandalism, Mwaura highlighted that most businesses are now experiencing reduced sales and income.
Appeal over protests
With the country expected to experience economic downtime, Mwaura has appealed to the young people who he noted were the major proponent of the protests to halt the demonstrations.
The Government Spokesperson called on the protesters to give President William Ruto time to implement some of the measures adopted in line with their demands.
Isaac Mwaura: The country has lost approximately Sh. 6B as a result of the demonstrations. We make a passionate appeal to our children to reconsider their plans to continue holding demonstrations. #K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/OHUBZg2xef
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 18, 2024
Nonetheless, the Government Spokesperson made it clear that President William Ruto is determined to protect the country from sliding into anarchy or any form of lawlessness.
Isaac Mwaura: I wish to remind Kenyans that being the President of the Republic of Kenya and the commander in chief of the defense forces, President Ruto has a constitutional responsibility to protect the country from anarchy.#K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/MKZ1X5sARF
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 18, 2024
To extend an olive branch to the protesters, Isaac Mwaura issued an apology indicating that the government regrets the public display of opulence from some of the state officials.
He added that the Kenya Kwanza administration is keen to address major issues including graft as highlighted during the demonstrations.
Isaac Mwaura: On behalf of any public official who has been seen to be opulent, proud, and arrogant, I wish to issue an apology to the people of Kenya. Going forward, public officials shall demonstrate responsibility and humility.#K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/7EO7ExkhCq
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 18, 2024