Keumbu Traders Count Heavy Losses as Social Media Boycott Bites After Deadly Political Violence

Small-scale business people, especially the hawkers operating in Keumbu Market in Kisii County, are suffering huge losses owing to a social media-led campaign against them in which motorists and customers are being asked not to park their cars or vehicles in the busy market.

The boycott arose from a political violence witnessed in the region on Friday, July 3, where one person lost his life while others were injured.

Those most seriously affected by the boycott are those business enterprises that are dependent on motorists who travel through the Kisii-Keroka road.

The banana, avocado and sugarcane among other farm produce selling hawkers say that many people have been passing through the market but failing to stop their vehicles because of the fear and rage that has continued spreading through social media.

The boycott comes on the back of the attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy in Keumbu in which 36-year-old Vincent Osiemo, commonly known as Mapinduzi, died when the convoy he was riding in was attacked by youths armed with stones and clubs.

Deadly Attack Sparks Economic Fallout

According to reports, Osiemo was travelling in the Linda Mwananchi convoy as political leaders headed towards Keroka when the convoy came under attack in the Keumbu area.

Videos shared online showed vehicles attempting to flee as stones rained down on them.

It is during the chaos that Osiemo is said to have fallen from one of the vehicles before suffering fatal injuries.

His employer, Wilkins Michira, recounted the terrifying moments during the attack.

“Osiemo was in my vehicle. As we slowed down at the Keumbu bump, youths started pelting us with stones. He was thrown out of the vehicle and continued being hit by stones as the attack intensified,” Michira said.

Osiemo, a father of three, was rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His family has appealed for peace while mourning the loss of a man they described as their main provider.

“This family has lost a courageous young man, and he was our pillar of support. We do not want a repeat of the 2007 violence, please. Why must people be killed because of politics?” his brother Oscar Osiemo said.

Also Read:DCI Makes More Arrests After Linda Mwananchi Convoy Attack in Kisii

Investigations Continue as Political Pressure Mounts

Police have since arrested eight suspects linked to the violence as investigations continue.

Detectives have also summoned Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda to record a statement regarding the incident.

The killing has intensified political tensions, with opposition leaders accusing the government of failing to provide adequate security during political activities.

“We now demand the immediate resignation of CS Murkomen. They are part of this gang,” presidential aspirant David Maraga said.

Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo also criticized security agencies over the incident.

“Young people should not be misused by politicians. We squarely blame the security forces for what is happening. If they are not ready to protect us, we shall also repulse them,” Barongo said.

Social Media Boycott Divides Public Opinion

As investigations continue, social media has become the latest battleground, with many users urging motorists to avoid stopping at Keumbu Market altogether.

“Tulielewana madereva kutoka na kwenda kupitia keumbu, hakuna kusimama keumbu, muhindi na goons wajisort,” Facebook user, Xylaico Cyroo, wrote.

“Choices have consequences keumbu has market leaders who could have stopped this,” Evans Moronya added.

Caro Wanjiru also encouraged motorists not to buy goods from the market.

“Mkifika hapo ata ukipewa ndizi full yote chukua ingiza kwa boot eka full gear waondokee bila kulipa,” Wanjiru wrote.

Others posted even stronger remarks discouraging travellers from stopping at the market.

“Hapa nikipita namake sure gari Haina number plate nichukue ndizi miwa avocado nijaze then nikanyage number two nkt mtaona vumbi number plate naekea mbelembele.”

“Akuna kusimama Kwa hiyo stage ya goons Wacha hizo avocado wakule zote zingine muhindi apeleke kwake,” Jimmy Aranda also posted.

Josiah Ndege advised motorists to seek alternative markets instead.

“Nunua Keroka cheplat for those using kisii route. Ekerento ikonge for those using Nyamira route,” Ndege wrote.

Also Read:DCI Summons MP Linked to Violent Linda Mwananchi Convoy Attack in Kisii

Calls to Protect Innocent Traders

However, many Kenyans have opposed the boycott, arguing that innocent traders should not suffer for actions committed by a few individuals.

Sam Githua questioned the fairness of targeting small-scale business people.

“What if it’s your mum doing business there and she had no idea of Stones being thrown? What if it’s your relative who has some school fees somewhere that needs to clear and he or she had no idea of throwing stones at wewe ndio sifuna? Does boycotting sit well with you?” Githua questioned.

Allan Aondo similarly urged the public not to punish an entire community.

“A call to boycott keumbu will be an unfair call, a few elements cannot be a representative of the entire community. I would rather those elements be identified and be flushed out. I come from keumbu and I am equally disappointed,” Aondo advised.

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Alleged goons and traders stoning the Linda Mwananchi convoy at Keumbu Market in Kisii County. PHOTO/ Screengrab.