Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Several businesses were left counting heavy losses following the chaotic Saba Saba protests that rocked parts of the country on Monday, July 7.

Among the worst-hit were supermarkets, including the Nice Digital City in Mwea, owned by renowned businessman Charles Mkombozi.

The hotel was stormed by enraged protesters, forcing police to intervene using tear gas in a bid to disperse the unruly crowd. The destruction left the once-thriving establishment in ruins.

According to Mkombozi, approximately 100 General Service Unit (GSU) officers from Nairobi were deployed to the area, all heavily armed.

Their arrival caused panic among the youth, who realised the situation had become serious.

Mkombozi said the intervention of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was crucial in preventing further destruction.

“If it weren’t for the Inspector General of Police, Nice Digital City would no longer exist—property worth over KSh 2 billion would have been reduced to dust," he said.

He thanked the IG for the swift response, noting that officers remained on site overnight and are still pursuing those involved in the attack.

Speaking after the incident, Mkombozi revealed that property worth over KSh 50 million was looted and vandalised.

He added that the hotel, which was built through a bank loan, had employed over 1,000 people, all of whom are now jobless.

“Property worth more than KSh 50 million was destroyed, and it was all funded through bank loans. Over 1,000 young people were working here, but now they have no jobs. This is a big shame for the people of Mwea, who I helped sell their rice and employed their children,” Mkombozi said.

He lamented that local leadership and residents had failed to protect his business, claiming goons were allowed to destroy property without consequence.

"They released goons to come and destroy my property. I ask my fellow business people to unite to protect our businesses," he added.

A protected witness speaking to claimed the attacks were politically motivated, following reports that Mkombozi had recently hosted a senior political figure.

"Kenyans should stop being used by political leaders. Crime will increase because many have been left jobless. Mkombozi is a quiet person. People should open their eyes and protect other businesses," the witness urged.

Videos circulating online captured the extent of the destruction, showing empty shelves, broken glass, and a supermarket stripped bare.

The unrest did not end in Mwea. A branch of the hotel in Embu was also targeted, with business owners revealing that protests there extended into Tuesday, July 8.

This escalation, according to a shop owner who also spoke with , came after the arrest of the area Member of Parliament.

"The situation is bad. We are even closing and leaving at this hour. Yesterday they destroyed our things and the way they arrested our MP, the youth have returned to demonstrate," he said.

As investigations continue, business leaders called for solidarity and urgent protection from politically instigated violence, warning that further destruction will deepen unemployment and economic instability.

In other news, the chaotic demonstrations across the country led to the deaths of at least 10 people.

In a statement, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that it had documented 10 fatalities and 29 injuries directly linked to the protests held in 17 counties.

Fatalities were reported in areas including Kangemi, Ngong, Juja, Kiritiri, and Ol Kalou.

KHRC condemned the excessive use of force by police, calling it a gross violation of human rights despite repeated appeals for accountability.

Source: TUKO.co.ke