Post-demo chaos: Traders count heavy losses from looting, destruction

Business owners in Nairobi’s central business district are counting massive losses following destruction and looting during Wednesday’s demonstrations, June 25, 2025.

A spot check by The Star revealed extensive damage to business premises.

Several shops along Moi Avenue were broken into, with windows smashed and items stolen by suspected criminals who infiltrated the protests.

"This is wrong. They broke the door and entered the shops. I have lost everything. It's so unfortunate," said Tom Kamau, a shop owner.

Similar destruction was witnessed at OTC, where Quickmart and nearby shops were looted.

A building housing the Moonstar Hotel at the OTC roundabout was also torched.

Smoke was still rising from the premises during a visit by The Star on Thursday morning. Susan Wanjiru, a mobile phone dealer, said she lost over Sh800,000 after her shop was raided.

"I just restocked days ago. I didn't know this would happen. I don’t know where to start from," she said, visibly emotional.

Despite the chaos, business and transport activities had resumed by Thursday, June 26.

Demonstrators returned to the streets of Nairobi and other counties on Tuesday with renewed calls for justice, accountability.

The demonstration unfolded as hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets in commemoration of the 2024 youth-led movement that shook the political landscape, demanding change in governance and accountability on matters such as taxation and public finance.