Peaceful protests turned chaotic in Nyeri, Naivas Supermarket looted
Thousands of youths today engaged police in running battles in Nyeri town during anniversary protests held to commemorate Gen Z demonstrators killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill unrest on June 25.
What began as peaceful demonstrations later degenerated in looting sprees where a suspected criminals posing as part of the protesters infiltrated and broke into Naivas Supermarket in Nyeri town and stolen several items.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Nairobi including last week protests over the murder of teacher-cum-blogger Albert Ojwang in Central Police Station cells where he was assaulted and strangled.
The protesters, chanting anti-government slogans, attempted to storm the Nyeri Central Police Station and Chieni Supermarket, owned by Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Officers lobbed tear gas canisters throughout the afternoon to disperse the crowds.
During last year’s demonstrations, Chieni Supermarket branches in Nyeri and Nanyuki were invaded and looted, with losses running into millions of shillings.
In anticipation of possible chaos, businesses within Nyeri’s Central Business District (CBD) remained closed for the better part of the day.
All three major matatu termini were deserted, halting public transport operations.
Speaking to The Informer Media Group, Nyeri County Chief Officer for Trade, Tourism, Culture and Cooperative Development George Mwangi urged protesters to maintain peace and avoid vandalism.
“We did not expect such a large turnout for the anniversary protests. Businesses have closed, and the message has already been sent. I appeal to our young people to refrain from destroying property and looting business premises,” Mwangi said.
By press time, no injuries or arrests had been officially reported, but tension remained high as security personnel maintained a strong presence in the town.
The demonstrations in Nyeri were part of a broader, countrywide movement marking one year since the fatal protests against the Finance Bill, 2024, which sparked a wave of public dissent, particularly among the youth.
