TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers profound insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

At least 27 Kenyan counties witnessed violent protests on Wednesday, June 25, which resulted in extensive looting and property destruction.

Small and medium-sized businesses reported suffering significant losses.

In Nairobi, traders along the Bus Station, Mfangano Street, Khoja, and Moi Avenue took the brunt of the turmoil as it was the epicentre of the demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 demos.

During the melee, buildings were set on fire, boutiques looted, and shops vandalised.

Susan Wanjiku Irungu, who operates a mobile phone shop along Moi Avenue, told in an exclusive interview that she lost KSh 2.5 million worth of goods.

Wanjiku's Mobicity shop was one of those looted by armed goons at Mithoo Business Centre along Moi Avenue, in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

"Mobicity is a small business but with a big dream, which I started in January 2025, after saving for many years from my previous employment. Sadly, on the 25th, my dream was shattered because my business was looted," Wanjiku narrated.

The businesswoman disclosed she learnt about the looting on social media and failed to salvage anything.

"I lost goods worth KSh 2.5 million, excluding shop destruction. On the fateful day, my employees did not report to work due to security concerns," she revealed.

The businesswoman appealed for help from the government and well-wishers to start afresh.

She noted that she has children and a family to take care of, and has nothing left after exhausting her savings by investing in the business.

Wanjiku disclosed that she had borrowed KSh 500,000 from her mum to restock the shop, and had only managed to repay KSh 10,000, since it was yet to pick up.

"I reported the matter at Nairobi's Central Police Station for investigations. Hopefully, the DCI will unearth the matter and bring the culprits to book. Since I have kids and bills, I'm appealing to all well-wishers for help so that I can bounce back," she pleaded.

You can contact Wanjiku on: +254 710 125392.

How much did Nairobi boutique owner lose?

In related news, Nairobi boutique owner Yvonne Otieno disclosed that thieves had broken into her shop and taken everything valued at KSh 2 million.

The dealer disclosed that she had borrowed KSh 1 million to restock the shop.

The government set up a team to assess the affected businesses.

Source: TUKO.co.ke