Meru: A section of traders in Makutano town has come out to express their frustration following Monday, July 7, violent protests that saw Magunas Supermarket burned down.

Goons set the supermarket’s building on fire, an incident the traders said rendered over 300 employees jobless.

Led by the chairperson of the Makutano Small Business Enterprises, Gitonga Samwel, the traders alleged that the destruction was malicious. They claimed goons behind the fire were brought in from other areas.

“What happened here in Makutano yesterday is not a demonstration because those were people who were sourced from far away and brought in. Even if you look at them, you can’t identify any of them,” said Gitonga.

The traders have now expressed fear that their businesses may not recover, while noting that Magunas' destruction will have an immense effect on livelihoods and other businesses that have indirectly depended on the daily activities around it.

Bodaboda riders who had their stage adjacent to the supermarket, led by their chairperson, Elias Mugiira, expressed sorrow over the matter.

They stated that the effects were already beginning to show, characterised by the heavy loss of customers.

“We have no one to carry because Magunas is gone and so is our income,” Mugiira lamented.

Area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Caleb Mutethia condemned the violence, terming it 'economic terrorism'.

Mutethia alleged that the goons had specific targets which they destroyed, and warned that the local business community would no longer watch silently as their investments are destroyed.

The MCA added that future protests in the area must remain peaceful, and organisers would be held accountable for any destruction.

“You cannot invest all your life in a business only for some people who pretend to be so angry to come and burn it up. We are going to protect our businesses...,” the MCA said.

He cautioned that the shutdown of Magunas Supermarket would have far-reaching economic consequences on many livelihoods within Makutano.

Imenti North sub-county police commander Ambrose Kyalo confirmed that the protesters overwhelmed security officers before setting the popular supermarket on fire.

“At one point, we were overstretched, and they threw something that resembled a petrol bomb at Magunas Supermarket. Efforts to contain the fire were futile because the fire brigade arrived late and had no water,” Kyalo said.

The police boss further said over 80 suspects have been arrested and will be presented in court to answer to various charges.

He also said that CCTV footage from surrounding buildings was being reviewed to reveal all those involved.

Previously, reported that at least 10 people were killed across the country during the 35th Saba Saba commemoration protests.

A report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) indicated that another 29 people were injured.

The protests were reported in at least 17 counties.

Source: TUKO.co.ke