Hundreds of small-scale traders took to the central business centre to demonstrate the existence of Chinese traders at china square.
The traders demanded a meeting with government officials while marching towards the office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Harambee Annex. The angry traders are accusing the owner of china square of unhealthy competition.
"They (China Square) have brought their goods here and opened a mall at Thika Road. Instead of selling as we do, they are selling everything. We have been wondering why our businesses are collapsing, customers are going there because it is cheap," said David Kabutha, a Nairobi trader among the protestors.
"We have been oppressed. He (Lei Cheng) can't bring things to Kenya and sell them, he should manufacture and let us sell," said the electronics dealer. Another protestor said
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The protests come under increasing standoff between CS Moses Kuria and the management of China Square. Kuria claimed Lei Cheng had taken over the retail business in Kenya, leaving local merchants without customers.
Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Industry, and Investments Moses Kuria said that kenya is open for business and not dumping and has offered to help the owner of the china square to set up a manufacturing plant in the country. The trade cs had initially suggested purchasing China Square's lease and turning the building over to Kenyan merchants.
Leaders disagree on the stance the government should take on the matter, with some calling for the shop's closure. Speaking on behalf of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya, Makau Mutua stated on Monday that the China Square story is "detrimental" to Kenya's economy.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech, on the other hand, has supported china square saying that Moses Kuria was wrong to close it down. Chinese envoy to the country has called for a non-discriminatory investment environment.
