Transporters are concerned that more violence will disrupt business for Kenya and neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which depend on Mombasa Port for their goods.

They have warned that if the azmio demonstrations continue, they will suffer huge losses if freight is delayed, vandalized or stolen along sections of the Northern Corridor.

PHOTO | COURTESY protesters

Although port activity has been steady, importers are concerned that protests will disrupt the movement of goods.

According to Kenya Transport Association chairman Newtown Wang'oo, their members will park their trucks every Monday and Thursday to protect them from attacks by goons, which will impact cargo from and to the Mombasa port.

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Mr Wang'oo claims that the suspension of cargo haulage by over 5,000 truck drivers will not only clog the Mombasa port and other Kenya Ports Authority facilities, but carriers predict they will lose Sh100 million per day.

 Kenya Transport Association chairman disclosed that no cargo vandalism occurred during the demos last Monday because they urged their drivers to park their trucks.

"We had resolved to suspend our services every Monday to give room for demonstrations as we remain safe but with an additional day (Thursday) for protests, we have no option but to park our trucks two days a week," Newtown Wang'oo.

PHOTO | COURTESY Raila Odinga

Protests, particularly in Nairobi and Kisumu, will impede the movement of imported products along the Northern Freeway. Mr Wang'oo says that the protests will impact exports and the delivery of empty containers and products destined for export from Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"With the current situation, we are now concerned about our future business as already, we have received inquiries from our clients if it's no longer safe to use the Northern Corridor, which indicates they are considering using the Central Corridor in the near future," he added.

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga maintains that the Azimio protests will go as scheduled every Monday and Thursday