Embu leaders decry security crisis and crippling interest rates
A coalition of church leaders and business owners in Embu County has appealed to the government to tackle insecurity and interest rates, citing dwindling businesses.
The calls were made on Sunday, September 28, 2025, during the annual Business Week at the Deliverance Church in Blue Valley Estate, where speakers described a climate of fear and financial strain.
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Bishop Stephen Njoroge of the Embu Deliverance Church pointed to the recent Gen Z protests as a breaking point for many businesses. He revealed that numerous establishments were shuttered after being looted and vandalized in June 2025, with many owners still reeling from the losses.
“The destruction we witnessed in June protests was a devastating blow, and since then, we have seen no meaningful action from the state to arrest the situation or hold anyone accountable,” Njoroge said.
The insecurity concerns come amid efforts by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to tame the vice in the larger Mt. Kenya region to hasten business operations.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire raised an alarm over repeated patterns in the region during the Jukwa la Usalama, urging the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to dismantle the gang.
She challenged the national government to implement concrete measures to protect traders.
“We need a proper security mechanism now. Our people must be able to operate their businesses without this constant fear that their lifeline will be destroyed by goons the next day,” the county boss urged.
Security for business people?
Beyond physical security, Njoroge also took aim at the financial sector, calling the current cost of borrowing a barrier to growth for the youth.
“The interest rates are simply punitive. How does a young person with a dream to start a small enterprise access a loan? The government must step in and rein in these banks that are profiteering from our struggles,” he asserted.
The frustration extends to the county government level, where small-scale traders decried harassment from local enforcement officers.
Richard Mwaura, a university student who sells roasted maize to fund his education, shared his experience.
“I have all my permits in order, but the askaris still confiscate my maize and my grill. This is my only source of income. How does harassing me help the economy?” he questioned.
