Murang’a: A businesswoman from Kenol town in Murang’a County is among those counting significant losses following the July 7 protests when her supermarket and several other businesses were vandalised. The brazen attack, which took place in broad daylight, left several business owners facing heavy losses and hundreds of employees facing an uncertain future.

According to Kenya News Agency, the supermarket’s proprietor, Anabel Wanjiku, whose four other businesses were vandalised, estimated her losses at over Sh200 million. The County Supermarket, one of the largest retail outlets in Kenol, suffered the most damage when large groups broke into the premises, destroyed property, and stole goods worth millions of shillings. Although the protestors could not break into the supermarket at Kenol town, other supermarkets owned by Wanjiku in Kabati in Murang’a and Kagio and Kagumo in Kirinyaga county were vandalised.

Wanjiku expressed her devastation, stating that she has lost goods and property worth over Sh200 million. She highlighted the broader impact, noting that more than 300 employees dependent on these businesses are now facing joblessness.

Wanjiku shared her long-standing commitment to the community, detailing how she has been supporting various needy students by paying for their education and supplying bread to a local special needs school over the past ten years. She expressed her uncertainty about continuing this support in light of her losses.

The destruction has sparked an outcry from community members and fellow business owners who condemned the violence and urged the government to protect businesses and livelihoods in Kenol and across the country. Local businessman Moses Murigi emphasized the need for police protection and government compensation for those who suffered losses.

Murang’a South Sub-County Police Commander Charity Karimi confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are underway, with several suspects already arrested. She assured the public that security operations had been intensified to prevent further lawlessness.