This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
June 9, 2020 - In a shocking display of corporate power, Vivo Energy Kenya has been accused of using underhand means to evict Foodies Supermarket from its Karen land. The supermarket, which has been in operation for over 20 years, has been a thorn in the side of Vivo Energy Kenya, which has been trying to acquire the land to build a petrol station.
According to reports, Vivo Energy Kenya contracted a firm to bulldoze its way into the private property and dump building materials at the front entrance of the supermarket. The move is seen as a blatant disregard for the law, as the court had set a hearing date for June 23, 2020, to decide on Shell's request to demolish the current structure and set up a petrol station.
Foodies Supermarket has refused to back down, despite the company's aggressive tactics. In a statement, the supermarket's administration said, 'When they go low, we go high.' The supermarket has been open for business, despite the dumped materials on its front door.
It is alleged that Vivo Energy Kenya used its connections to influence the court's decision, with reports suggesting that the company sent envelopes with generous endowments to the judge who handled the case. The move is seen as a clear attempt to intimidate and arm-twist Foodies Supermarket into giving up the land.
However, Foodies Supermarket has stood its ground, refusing to bow down to the company's impunity. The supermarket's courage and determination have inspired many, with the hashtag #FoodiesSupermarket trending on social media.
