What began as a nationwide call for peaceful demonstrations to commemorate Saba Saba Day spiraled into chaos in Meru County, where widespread acts of vandalism and looting were reported.
The most devastating incident involved the torching of Magunas Supermarket, a well-known local retail chain, which was set ablaze by goons posing as protesters.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as demonstrators overwhelmed anti-riot police in the Makutano area, enabling criminal elements to raid and destroy private property.
The attackers reportedly targeted Magunas Supermarket, looting goods before setting it on fire.
Despite efforts by emergency responders, including a Meru County fire truck, the blaze quickly consumed the building.
The situation worsened when the fire engine was attacked by protesters after it ran out of water.
A Kenya Red Cross vehicle, which had been deployed to offer first aid, was also vandalised during the unrest.
“The crowd turned hostile. They didn’t care that the fire truck had exhausted its water supply. They threw stones at it and chased away our personnel,” said a county disaster response official, who asked not to be named for safety reasons.
Another business targeted was Seven Eleven, a popular entertainment joint in Meru Town.
According to reports, the establishment was broken into and looted, with valuable property stolen in the rampage.
The violence in Meru was among the worst reported, but not isolated.
In Kirinyaga County, Nice Supermarket was vandalised as protesters hurled boulders at its display windows, causing extensive damage.
In Nakuru, another supermarket narrowly escaped being looted after police intervened in time to disperse the crowd.
In Nairobi, a heavy police presence in the Central Business District helped deter mass destruction, but tension remained high.
Outskirts such as Kitengela saw running battles between police and demonstrators. Businesses there reported break-ins, blocked roads, and widespread intimidation.
The violent incidents have raised questions about the ability of authorities to separate peaceful protesters from criminal elements.
While Saba Saba Day traditionally honours the fight for multiparty democracy, this year’s protests have taken a darker turn amid deepening public discontent over economic hardships and perceived government inaction.
Law enforcement agencies had earlier promised to protect lives and property during the protests.
However, the scale and coordination of Monday’s destruction suggest a breakdown in security operations in certain areas.
As investigations begin, local leaders and human rights organizations are calling for both accountability and urgent dialogue between government and protest organisers to prevent further loss of life and property.
Meanwhile, business owners like those at Magunas are left counting massive losses.
“This is more than just property damage,” one employee said. “It’s our livelihoods, our jobs, and our future that have gone up in flames.”
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