A group of youths on Monday attempted to break into Quickmart Supermarket in Roysambu as the country marked the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba Day, an occasion historically tied to the push for democratic reforms in Kenya.
A video seen by The Star captured the chaotic scene as several young men tried to force their way into the supermarket by dismantling its metal grills.
It remained unclear whether the group succeeded in gaining access or looting any goods, as police presence in the area increased shortly after the attempt.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over the vulnerability of businesses during politically charged commemorations and protests.
Quickmart has been a repeated target during demonstrations. On June 25, the retailer suffered significant losses when its OTC branch in Nairobi and another outlet in Ruiru were ransacked by looters amid widespread unrest.
Monday’s Saba Saba commemorations, which began peacefully in many parts of the country, took a violent turn in some areas as police clashed with protesters.
While the day is meant to honour the brave efforts that led to Kenya’s adoption of multi-party democracy in the 1990s, it has also become a platform for expressing frustration over economic inequality, poor governance, and lack of accountability.
Elsewhere, Nairobi’s CBD and downtown businesses remained shut or on high alert, with traders fearing a repeat of the violence and looting seen in late June.
During earlier protests on June 25, looters made away with goods
from mobile phone shops, clothing stores, and shoe outlets.
In Naivasha, the impact of the June 25 protests was similarly devastating. Rioters lit bonfires along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, disrupting transport and invading at least three major supermarkets. Traders reported losses running into millions of shillings.
With tensions continuing to rise amid economic hardship and political discontent, business owners across the country are urging both the government and protest organisers to safeguard livelihoods even as citizens exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate.
