Murang’a businesses open cautiously after heavy losses in previous protests

Uhuru highway in Murang'a town/ ALICE WAITHERA

Murang’a town remained largely calm on Thursday despite the ongoing Gen Z protests witnessed in other parts of the country, with most residents opting to stay at home as a few businesses continued operating cautiously.

The business community, however, remained on high alert following heavy losses suffered during last month’s protests, when suspected goons infiltrated demonstrations and looted businesses in the town.

Several eateries reported losses after food items, particularly chicken, were stolen, while street food vendors counted losses after sausages and eggs were looted or destroyed.

A wholesale outlet and a mobile phone shop were also broken into, resulting in losses worth millions of shillings. Three banks were not spared, with their glass exteriors vandalised during the chaos.

With matatus off the roads, bodaboda riders were among the few transport operators making good business in town. Pius Kimani, a bodaboda rider, said business had improved for them with the absence of matatus, as more residents turned to motorcycles to move around.

“I've just come Maragua where I had taken someone. It's not usual for people to take a bodaboda from Murang'a town to Maragua because it's a bit far,” Kimani said.

Murang'a Matatu terminus that remained empty in anticipation of the protests on June 25, 2026 / ALICE WAITHERA

He added that riders were now keeping a close watch for any strange groups of youths, saying they were caught unawares during the running battles witnessed in the fuel protests.

“This time we are very cautious. We have opened our businesses, but we are closely monitoring the situation and will close immediately if there are signs that protests could turn chaotic,” said Grace Wachera, a shopkeeper in the town.

Wachera said traders were particularly wary of groups of unfamiliar youths, noting that many of those involved in last month’s destruction were believed to have come from outside Murang’a.

“We saw them arriving in town last time, but we did not know what would follow. It is painful to see people from other areas come here only to destroy our businesses,” she said.

She noted that business activity remained subdued throughout the day, with many residents choosing to remain indoors in their estates as a precaution.

Meanwhile, scores of uniformed and plain-clothes police officers patrolled major streets and business centres, providing reassurance to residents and traders.

Security officers were also deployed around banks and major retail outlets that were previously targeted by looters, as authorities moved to prevent a repeat of last month’s incidents.

On Wednesday, County Commissioner Hassan Bule- has warned locals against engaging in chaotic protests and vowed to take stern action against goons.