Kisii town was a no-go zone for the better part of Tuesday afternoon as protesters led demonstrations in the town.
Some eateries bore the brunt as mobs broke off from other protesters and ransacked them for food.
At least three proprietors reported significant vandalism and destruction on their eateries.
They declined to disclose names for fear of reprisals.
Along the Kisii - Kisumu road, an elderly trader was left counting losses as suspected goons broke into his mini-shop and stole all soft drinks.
"They just cleaned everything, nothing was left except containers," he said.