NYERI — Traders across the Mt. Kenya region are reeling from major losses after Monday’s Saba Saba protests descended into widespread looting and destruction of property. Supermarkets, shops, and warehouses were targeted in coordinated attacks, with several buildings torched by protesters.
The worst damage was reported in Meru, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a counties. In Meru’s Makutano town, demonstrators stormed Magunas Supermarket, stole merchandise, and set the building on fire. In Mwea town, attackers looted Nice Nice Rice Mill, the largest processor in the area, making off with property worth millions of shillings. The building itself was spared from arson.
Witnesses said the attackers operated in groups and focused more on theft than protest.
“What we saw yesterday was not a protest it was organized criminal activity,” said Peter Ndegwa, a Nyeri resident. “These people came to steal, not to raise grievances. The government must act now.”
Ndegwa said a close associate lost an entire clothing store to the looters in Nyeri town. He warned that continued state inaction could push business owners to defend themselves.
“If the authorities don’t get control soon, we will have no choice but to protect our property ourselves,” he said.
Most of the targeted businesses included retail shops, clothing outlets, supermarkets, and food stores key sources of income and employment in the region.
In Murang’a, traders spent Tuesday morning sweeping shattered glass and burnt debris from storefronts. Police are yet to confirm the number of arrests made in connection with the destruction in Mt. Kenya counties. However, officers said they were compiling damage reports to aid in investigations.
The Monday protests, which marked the 35th anniversary of the 1990 pro-democracy Saba Saba rallies, turned violent in parts of the country. While initial demonstrations were meant to call for government accountability, observers say criminal elements hijacked the gatherings.
Security analysts attributed the escalation to poor coordination between police and protest organizers, as well as a lack of early containment efforts in high-risk towns.
Mount Kenya region leaders are now demanding government intervention and urgent compensation plans for affected traders.
As cleanup efforts continue, residents remain on edge, fearing a repeat of the violence. Business owners are calling for tighter security and legal action against those responsible.
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