Anti-Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) demonstrations in Mombasa have started to fade out as traders differ on its effects on their business.
The weekly protests organised by activists against relocation of inland import cargo from the Mombasa Port have received opposition from some traders who say they are still benefiting besides the alleged monopoly by SGR.
They said activists are using businessmen to fuel personal motives.
“We are getting business. We should never be lumped up with civil society activists in the name of agitating for our rights,’’ Mwangi said.
Their change of tone comes after Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala also opposed the demos.
Human rights groups Haki Africa and Muslims for Human Rights are at the forefront opposing SGR monopoly claiming that it will kill the Coastal economy. They have received backing from various local leaders including Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir.
“The government must admit it was an illegality and it was now being rectified instead of just saying the order has been suspended," Nassir said.
However, the issue has attracted political debate with some terming those opposed to it as transport cartels out for selfish gains against the state.
The directive was among the initiatives aimed at raising money to pay the SGR debt.