Jakoyo Midiwo: MAN of the PEOPLE

The Kenyan DAILY POSTNews01:10

Thursday August 2, 2012 - Jakoyo Midiwo is loved and hated in equal measure and maybe that's what makes him so special.

On Wednesday Midiwo pushed a motion in parliament that will protect Kenyans from exploitation by businessmen and companies.

The Consumer Protection Bill 2011, if implemented, would prevent unfair trade practices and transactions.

“Kenyans live at the mercy of matatu merchants. When it drizzles, bus fares shoot up and travelers are compelled to pay more. When this bill passes, those who do it will face their clients in court the following day,” Midiwo said.

Midiwo, who is also Gem lawmaker, said it will be unlawful to hike prices by taking advantage of the prevailing conditions.

He warned of traders who steal from clients by giving them less goods or services would not be spared.

“I was shocked when I went for nyama choma in South Africa and found a kilogramme of beef is so big compared to a kilo of the same in Kenya. It is Kenyans fleecing Kenyans,” Midiwo said.

Midiwo who is a key ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, said commercial banks like Equity, Barclays and Kenya Commercial Bank are making billions of shillings in profits by exploiting clients.

“When you hear profits banks make and you look at the country they operate in, it shocks you. These banks make billions in a poor country. They must stop this!” Midiwo said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST