A wave of protests that swept across parts of Kenya on Wednesday has dealt a heavy blow to the country’s manufacturing sector, with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) raising alarm over widespread damage to factories, looted goods, injured workers and disrupted operations.

While acknowledging the constitutional guarantee of peaceful assembly, KAM decried the unlawful turn taken by some demonstrators, warning that the resultant destruction poses a serious threat to economic recovery and industrial stability.

The association, in a statement issued on Thursday, affirmed support for civil liberties but strongly condemned the violence that accompanied protests in several counties.

“We acknowledge and uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and provided for under the Public Order Act: ‘Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities,’” the association stated.

Despite peaceful demonstrations being witnessed in some areas, KAM expressed regret over the havoc unleashed elsewhere, noting that what began as protests was in many instances hijacked by individuals intent on chaos.

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“While some parts of the country witnessed peaceful picketing, it is regrettable that several counties experienced violence resulting in loss of life, looting, vandalism, and widespread disruption of businesses and property,” the association said.

According to KAM, manufacturers and other business owners reported serious losses. Damage ranged from the theft of goods and destruction of facilities, to the assault of workers and temporary closure of operations—interruptions that the association says will ripple across the economy.

The extent of the destruction, they noted, affected enterprises across the board, from micro and small firms to larger industrial players.

“Manufacturers and business entities from various regions have reported significant damages, including looting, vandalism, injury to staff, business disruptions and destruction of property," KAM stated.

"This was perpetrated by individuals whose intent was not to protest but to cause harm. These acts have led to considerable financial losses to all business, from micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) to large industries."

KAM extended condolences to those bereaved in the protests and urged police to maintain professionalism in their response to unrest.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and urge law enforcement officers to exercise restraint while discharging their duties, to safeguard peace, protect lives, and property,” the statement added.

The association is now urging the government to investigate the violent episodes thoroughly and ensure that those responsible face justice, emphasising the critical importance of safeguarding life and property in any form of protest.