ODM leader Raila Odinga has condemned Trade CS Moses Kuria over his remarks that Kenya allowed foreign investors as manufacturers and not traders.
“Mambo ya ucorruption imezidi katika hii serikali. Unaona kwa mfano waziri wa biashara anataka kuuwa kampuni zingine hapa (Corruption issues have increased in the government. For instance Trade CS wants to kill some companies here),” he said.
Raila faulted the government for not caring about Kenyans, saying if all foreign traders in Kenya were suspended from business, Kenyans would lose too.
He said the government should consider that the foreign business entities employ Kenyans who would otherwise lose employment in the event of closure.
Chief Opposition leader also warned that if the government continues to pressure foreign traders, it will demotivate potential investors.
“You invited foreign investors to the country, before coming, they will consult the investors who are already here,” he said.
“If they learn that they are facing challenges, they will not invest here.”
Raila’s remarks come at a time controversy has rocked the business model of the giant retail outlet, China Square at the Unicity Mall on Thika Road.
On Sunday, the retailer announced the indefinite closure of operations allows to sort out a number of issues.
In a notice on its official Facebook page on Sunday, the outlet listed a shortage of tills and misleading statements about its operations among the reasons behind the sudden decision.
“Some of the statements on the internet have been misleading people, and some customers have overrated our services which has created unrealistic expectations,” the retailer said.
On Friday, Kuria indicated that he wants China Square out of the Kenyan market.
“We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya but as manufacturers, not traders,” he said in a tweet.
On Tuesday, members of the business community in Nairobi CBD held demonstrations to protest what they termed as unfair business practices by China Square.
