Embu Traders Ditch Old Association, Form New Powerful Lobby After Protests Fallout

Speaking at a packed press conference in Embu town following a high-stakes consultative meeting, the traders did not hold back their frustrations. They accused their former association of going silent during the June 25 and Saba Saba protests, even as businesses were vandalized, looted, and forced to shut down.

“We suffered massive losses, yet the very body meant to protect us remained mute.Shops were shut for days. We lived in fear, but no one spoke for us.”lamented one trader.

According to the business owners, the lack of a strong voice during the demonstrations exposed deep flaws in the leadership and inclusivity of the previous association. They alleged that certain business sectors were continually sidelined, further widening the gap between the leadership and grassroots traders.

But from the ashes of disappointment, a new dawn has risen.

Interim Chairperson Charles Shanyaki unveiled the vision of the new association, vowing to deliver a unified voice and meaningful engagement with both county and national governments. “We are building a home for all businesspeople big or small, kiosk or wholesale, Mama Mboga or farmer. Everyone counts,” Shanyaki declared.

Already, EBOA has brought together 22 different business sectors, from distributors and kiosk owners to boda boda riders and mama mbogas. Each sector will elect five representatives, ensuring inclusivity and fair representation at every level.

The association will hold its first official elections on August 17 at Embu Talent Academy, in what is expected to be a structured and transparent voting process.

As the Embu Business Owners Association begins to take shape, it is poised to challenge established bodies such as the Embu Business Community and the Kenya Chamber of Commerce – Embu Chapter. Many traders now believe the new association offers a fresh start, real representation, and the leadership they have long been denied.