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Saba Saba: Traders clear out shops fearing a repeat of June 25

Traders were seen clearing out their shops, moving valuable stock to safer locations

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by Allan Kisia

News06 July 2025 - 15:23
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In Summary


  • “We are not against protests, but we are tired of being targeted. Every time there is unrest, our shops become the battleground. We can’t keep rebuilding from ashes.”
  • As Saba Saba—a day historically tied to Kenya’s pro-democracy struggles—returns to the spotlight, traders said they hope for peaceful demonstrations.
Businesses that were looted and set ablaze around the OTC area in Nairobi on June 25, 2025/FILE


Anxiety has gripped Nairobi’s business community, with traders scrambling to clear out their shops fearing a recurrence of the destruction and looting that marred the June 25 demonstrations.

On Sunday, traders were seen clearing out their shops, boarding up windows, and moving valuable stock to safer locations.

“We are not against protests, but we are tired of being targeted. Every time there is unrest, our shops become the battleground. We can’t keep rebuilding from ashes,” said a shop owner in Nairobi’s CBD who requested anonymity.

The June 25 protests, marking the first anniversary of last year’s youth-led demonstrations, saw thousands of Kenyans take to the streets.

While many marched peacefully, the day spiralled into violence as criminal gangs exploited the chaos, looting shops, torching buildings, and leaving a trail of destruction.

Among the worst-hit areas were Githurai, Thika Road, and Outering Road, where supermarkets, banks, and retail shops were vandalised or destroyed.

Businesses such as Supermarkets were either looted, set ablaze, or both.

Several ATMs were damaged, and others were broken into and looted.

Small traders were not spared. Businesses in Musa House and surrounding areas in the city centre were attacked by what eyewitnesses described as “well-organised criminal gangs,” not spontaneous protestors.

Now, with another large protest looming, many fear a second wave of destruction.

“This is not sustainable. We want the government to stop treating this as normal. We need both short-term security and a long-term solution to the unrest,” said a trader whose cosmetics shop was vandalised last month.

While the right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution, business owners argue that this right must be balanced with the responsibility to protect lives and property.

Traders are urging security agencies to increase patrols in vulnerable areas, respond swiftly to threats, and arrest those who engage in looting or violence.

As Saba Saba—a day historically tied to Kenya’s pro-democracy struggles—returns to the spotlight, traders said they hope for peaceful demonstrations. 

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