Keumbu Market traders face boycott and financial losses after political violence
via Tuko3 min read
Small-scale traders and hawkers at Keumbu Market are experiencing significant financial losses due to a social media-driven boycott campaign. This campaign emerged after an attack on the Linda Mwananchi brigade, led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, on July 3, 2026, along the Kisii-Keroka Highway. The incident involved stones being thrown, damaging vehicles, injuring people, and resulting in the death of Vincent Osiemo, 36, a movement supporter. Although some accused the traders of involvement, the hawkers deny these claims. The boycott has extended beyond social media, with some matatu owners reportedly instructing drivers to avoid routine stopovers at the market. Traders have expressed their distress, appealing for forgiveness and emphasizing their innocence, stating that their businesses are severely impacted. Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with the violence, and MP Zaheer Jhanda has been summoned to record a statement. Survivors of the attack have called for an independent investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
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