The Looting of Quickmart Supermarket During the Gen-Z Protests
During the Gen-Z protests in Nairobi, a Quickmart supermarket branch located at OTC in the city center was targeted and looted on Wednesday, June 25. A local resident who witnessed the incident shared her account of what transpired during the chaotic events.
A Witness’s Account
A woman who sells groceries near the supermarket provided a detailed description of the events that unfolded on that day. She recounted how a large group of individuals, described as “goons,” approached the area from the Muthurwa direction. These individuals had just engaged in clashes with the police and then turned their attention to nearby shops, including the Quickmart supermarket.
“They came from the Muthurwa direction. They had just been in running battles with the police. Moments later, they turned to the shops nearby and began breaking in,” she said. According to her, the group also approached her and other women selling groceries by the roadside, instructing them to move aside so they could break into the supermarket.
“We were told to move. I told my colleague we were in danger. There were too many of them. They looked like those young men from Kayole. That’s when we ran to take shelter in the store,” she recalled.
Hiding from the Chaos
The woman and other shoppers took refuge in the upper floor of the supermarket, hiding under a table. However, the looters continued their assault, attempting to enter through the ceiling. This forced the group to move again, seeking safety in the toilet.
“They told us, ‘if you continue staying there, we shall fall on you.’ We hid in the toilet because of that,” she added. She noted that she did not see any police trying to stop the looting and that she watched everything unfold while hiding.
She also mentioned that she lost some of her stock during the chaos. “They stole my grapes, this mbaazi you see scattered all over is mine. But I did not see anyone get beaten by the police or killed as alleged. No,” she stated.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m., and she faced challenges returning home due to the ongoing unrest.
Quickmart’s Response
Following the event, social media platforms were flooded with rumors about the situation at the Quickmart supermarket. Some claims suggested the discovery of bodies, which led to widespread concern.
In response, the supermarket released a statement clarifying the situation. It emphasized that no staff, customers, or other individuals were injured or killed during the incidents. The statement also highlighted the efforts being made to restore normal operations at the two affected branches.
“Quickmart notes that two of our branches in OTC and Ruiru were affected during yesterday’s demonstrations. Contrary to misleading information circulating on digital platforms, we wish to assure the public that no staff, customers, or any other individuals were injured or deceased at the two outlets. The safety and security of our employees, customers, and the wider community remain our top priorities,” the statement read.
Impact on the Community
The events at the Quickmart supermarket reflect the broader impact of the Gen-Z protests on businesses and residents in Nairobi. Local vendors, such as the elderly vegetable seller, have experienced both physical and emotional distress during these times. The disruption caused by the protests has created uncertainty for many, affecting daily routines and livelihoods.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial for the community to stay informed and support one another amid such challenging circumstances. The role of local businesses and their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the people in Nairobi.
