The only Uchumi supermarket (pictured) branch in Nyeri county has been closed over Sh2 million rent arrears.
The branch was closed on Friday afternoon after the retailer was evicted from the premises, following a court order.
Tens of youths armed with a court order stormed the premises in Karatina town and forcibly removed the goods from the shop.
The eviction order signed and issued on December 14, by Karatina principal magistrate Elvis Michieka, indicated that the tenant was illegally occupying the premises.
Mathira East police boss Mathews Gwiyo led armed security officers to prevent looting after residents jammed the scene.
Branch manager Patrick Mburu refused to comment on the matter.
Landlady Lucy Weru could not be reached for comment.
Sources said the lease of the cash-strapped retail supermarket ended last month.
This comes after the government released Sh600 million to restock the supermarket.
