Police hurled teargas canisters to disperse a group of Anti-government protesters who had staged demonstration along Moi Avenue in Mombasa county.
The protesters led by Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki, Women representative Zamzam Mohamed, Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib and Kisauni Mp Rashid Bedzimba were thwarted by police who had blocked them from accessing the Nkhruma Road towards the county commissioner’s office
The running battles between Mombasa legislators and activists who had joined other protestors ensued for more than two hours bringing to a standstill normal operation at the Mombasa central business district.
Those who spoke to spoke to the media accused the government for sitting pretty while Kenyans continue to bear the brunt of high cost of living.
"Kenyans are suffering and we can't sit and watch the government continue to hike prices of fuel and not addressing the cost of living, people are living on hand to mouth, this cannot continue," said Mombasa Women representative Zamzam Mohamed.
The demonstration saw Telecommunications giants Safaricom and Airtel, Telcom,NCBA Bank DIB bank , diamond trust bank both located at the Moi avenue shut doors as police engaged on a cat and mouse game with protesters.
Three protesters were arrested among them former nominated MCA for inciting youth to take part in the protests.
Other businesses affected include Royal castle Hotel, motor vehicle showrooms located within Mombasa central business district CBD were also closed for the better part of the day due to the anti-government protests.
"We are now operating on loss, customers stayed away from the businesses because of demonstration. We cannot open our showrooms, ,we don't want a situation where our cars will be destroyed by demonstrators," said Fadhil Mohamed Fadhil a car dealer at Moi avenue street.
Transport operators has also packed their vehicles in solidarity but their protest only lasted for few hours before normal operations resumed in the city.
Matatu operators who plied the Mombasa town route decried small number of passengers as a majority of residents opted to stay at home.
"Very little passengers today because people have decided to stay at home. They fear that they will be caught up in the melee," said one of matatu conductors operating along Mtwapa route.
