Nairobi residents were left in shock on June 26 when images of heavily armed police officers swarming Quickmart’s OTC branch circulated online.
Whispers quickly turned into viral posts, with disturbing allegations that dozens of dead bodies were being hidden inside the supermarket following the violent June 25 protests. As public outrage grew, Quickmart was forced to respond to mounting pressure and speculation.
In a statement released Thursday morning, the supermarket chain categorically denied that any deaths had occurred on its premises. But for many, questions still linger about what happened that night.
Quickmart Responds to Claims of Dead Bodies at OTC Branch
Quickmart has come out strongly to downplay the alarming reports, stating that no one was killed at its OTC or Ruiru branches, both of which were broken into during the chaotic protests.
“Contrary to misleading information circulating on digital platforms, we wish to assure the public that no staff, customers, or any other individuals were injured or deceased at the two outlets,” the company said.
The supermarket chain acknowledged the tension and panic that swept through downtown Nairobi but urged Kenyans to avoid sharing unverified claims that only worsen fear and confusion.
Quickmart added that it is working with security agencies and branch managers to restore normal operations. Meanwhile, it advised customers of the OTC and Ruiru branches to visit alternative outlets as cleanup and repairs continue.
“The safety of our customers, staff, and community is our top priority,” the retailer reiterated.
Despite the assurance, the online chatter continued to escalate, especially after images and videos showed police officers restricting access to the premises and allegedly pushing away curious onlookers.
Online Outrage and Fear Spread Rapidly
The reports first gained momentum after popular activist Hanifa Adan posted concerns from her followers on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“What’s going on at Quickmart? Goodness,” she wrote, alongside screenshots of messages she had received.
In one of the messages, a protester claimed that at least 30 bodies had been recovered from inside the supermarket, while others said they were prevented from entering the scene by police. The heavy police presence fueled speculation that a cover-up was underway.
The allegations added to the tension gripping the capital following Wednesday’s deadly protests that marked one year since the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. Quickmart quickly found itself at the centre of a storm — accused, without evidence, of harbouring hidden casualties.
Activists and civil society groups were quick to demand answers, calling for transparency and access to the location. However, no independent evidence has since emerged to back the claims of bodies being stored at the OTC location.
Protest Death Toll Rises as Reports Emerge of More Dead Bodies at Quickmart OTC Branch
The speculation around Quickmart comes as Amnesty International Kenya confirmed that 16 people had died across the country as a result of police action during the June 25 protests.
These figures are expected to rise, with hospitals and morgues in Nairobi and Kisumu reporting multiple admissions and fatalities related to gunshot wounds.
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and other rights groups have condemned the use of excessive force by police and called for an immediate audit of all protest-related deaths. In this climate of mistrust, any rumor—no matter how wild—finds fertile ground among a fearful population.
While Quickmart has taken steps to clarify its position, critics argue that the burden now falls on the government to provide transparent, independent investigations into all incidents involving protest casualties, especially in locations where police presence was heavy and unexplained.
