Ruto-led Nyanza investment conference canceled

The Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) announced on Tuesday that it was canceling an investment conference scheduled to be held in Kisumu.

KNCCI, through the Chairman of the Nyanza International Investment Conference, Japh Olende, announced that the event was underway. canceled due to protests across the country.

The conference was scheduled to be held on June 28 and 29, with President William Ruto as the chief guest.

Ruto was supposed to travel to Kisumu on Friday June 28 to open the two-day conference.

“In view of the prevailing situation in the country, we, the organizing committee of the Nyanza International Investment Conference, have taken the decision to postpone the conference to a later date,” it read in part in a press release from the KNCCI.

“We will inform you of the new conference dates after a thorough review of the parameters necessary to ensure the success of the conference.”

The event was expected to bring together local and international investors as well as the country’s top leaders to explore investment opportunities in the Nyanza region.

Kisumu was among the areas that saw mass protests as thousands of youths took to the streets to demonstrate against the 2024 Finance Bill.

The protests were largely characterized by chants calling for the resignation of the President.

Speaking about the protests, President William Ruto had called the events constituted treason and would be punished with the full force of the law.

“I assure Kenyans that we will provide them with a full, effective and prompt response to today’s treasonous events,” the president promised.

While what will happen in the coming days remains uncertain, the KNCCI has decided to suspend the conference indefinitely.

This comes days after President Ruto chose not to address residents of Nyahururu who had gathered outside the ACK Church where the Head of State worshiped on Sunday, June 23.