Vandalised restaurant in Kitengela /SCREENGRABA wave of destruction swept through parts of Kitengela after protests linked to rising fuel prices turned chaotic, leaving several small businesses counting massive losses.
A video on social media showed shops and vandalized premises in the town after groups of youths reportedly broke into businesses during Monday’s demonstrations.
One of the hardest hit premises was a small cafeteria where furniture, electronics and other valuables were destroyed and stolen.
Speaking to the media, the owner described how the situation quickly spiraled out of control after demonstrations started.
“When the staff noticed the commotion was almost starting, they closed the doors and went home,” he said.
He explained that shortly after the protests intensified, the group descended on the business and began destroying property.
“So in a few minutes these guys after they started the demonstration they came to our shop and they destroyed everything,” the owner said.
“Most of the furniture they were destroying and leaving with them,” he said.
The extent of the destruction left the owner struggling to estimate the exact cost of the damage, but he said the losses were significant.
“I can't be able to exactly approximate exactly but I believe we have won a loss of Sh1.5 million to Sh2 million,” he said.
The violence did not only affect one establishment.
A nearby Coca-Cola depot was also reportedly vandalised during the unrest as business owners tried to assess the scale of the destruction.
The demonstrations were part of wider nationwide unrest over the high cost of fuel and transport disruptions that paralysed movement in several towns.
Consequently, protesters reportedly broke into the Nyeri branch of Khetia's Supermarket and looted goods during demonstrations over high fuel prices as unrest spread across several parts of the country.
Videos shared online showed crowds forcing their way into the supermarket as chaos erupted in Nyeri town.
People were seen leaving the store carrying assorted items while others gathered outside the premises watching the unfolding scenes.
The entrance to the supermarket was also crowded with people, some getting to the scene while others leaving.
In Nyeri, demonstrations reportedly escalated into running battles and destruction of property as groups of youths moved through sections of the town centre.
In another video, the police could be seen dispatching protesters outside the Khetia's supermarket Nyeri branch and its surroundings.
