MERU, Kenya — Saba Saba Day protests in Meru County spiraled into chaos on Monday, July 7, leaving behind a trail of destruction and fear.
Protesters in Makutano turned violent, targeting businesses in a wave of destruction that saw the iconic Magunas Supermarket torched and Club Seven Eleven vandalized.
The attacks were part of a broader outbreak of unrest tied to nationwide protests against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
As police were overwhelmed, rogue elements within the demonstrations unleashed mayhem, looting, and razing down private property with impunity.
Saba Saba Protests Spark Chaos and Destruction in Meru County
What began as a nationwide push for reforms quickly turned ugly in Meru. Protesters initially gathered peacefully in the streets of Makutano before the situation escalated. Anti-riot police tried to contain the crowd, but were quickly overpowered by a more aggressive faction within the group.
The most shocking scene of the day was the destruction of Magunas Supermarket, a well-known retail outlet that serves thousands of residents in Meru. Eyewitnesses said a mob stormed the premises, looted goods, and then set the entire building on fire. Despite the arrival of a Meru County fire engine, efforts to contain the blaze failed when the truck ran out of water—prompting angry protesters to pelt the crew with stones.
As the fire raged, essential service providers could barely gain access to the area. A Kenya Red Cross vehicle dispatched to treat the injured was not spared either. The emergency vehicle was vandalized, and staff forced to retreat amid rising hostility.
Just a few blocks away, Club Seven Eleven—a hotspot for nightlife in Meru Town—was also raided. Vandals broke into the club, stole equipment, and destroyed furnishings. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early estimates suggest massive losses for the owner.
Business Community Counts Heavy Losses
Monday’s violent protests left a bitter taste for business owners in Meru and across the country. The raid on Magunas Supermarket was described by many as the worst incident of business destruction during the Saba Saba Protests. The once-busy retail outlet now lies in ruins, with only charred remains where shelves and stock once stood.
Club Seven Eleven wasn’t spared either. The club had recently invested in renovations and new entertainment systems. According to a source close to the establishment, the attackers made away with some of the new sound equipment before setting parts of the venue ablaze.
In the aftermath, many local entrepreneurs voiced frustration with the government’s failure to protect businesses. “We support reforms, but this isn’t the way,” said a shopkeeper in Makutano. “Now families are jobless and investors are scared. Who will rebuild this town?”
Protests Turn National as Vandalism Spreads
The violence witnessed in Meru wasn’t isolated. As the Saba Saba Protests swept across the country, similar incidents of destruction and looting were reported in other counties.
In Kirinyaga, a retail outlet known as Nice Supermarket suffered heavy damages after protesters threw large stones through its display windows. The owners arrived later to find stock missing and the front of the store smashed in.
In Nakuru, demonstrators attempted to break into a supermarket, but swift police intervention prevented extensive looting. Still, the attempt sent shockwaves through the town’s business community.
Nairobi, the capital, remained relatively calm thanks to a heavy deployment of security officers. In the CBD and surrounding areas, minimal cases of destruction were recorded.
However, Kitengela became a hotspot of unrest. Protesters blocked roads and engaged in running battles with police. Several businesses in the town were attacked in the chaos.
Wrapping Up …
The burning of Magunas Supermarket and the vandalism of Club Seven Eleven in Meru stand as grim symbols of what happens when peaceful protests spiral into lawlessness. While Kenyans have the constitutional right to protest, Monday’s events underscore a dangerous trend—one where legitimate grievances are hijacked by violent elements with no regard for the economy, public safety, or livelihoods.
As the country reflects on the fallout of the Saba Saba Protests, the big question remains: who will take responsibility for the damages, and what measures will be put in place to ensure such chaos doesn’t repeat itself?
