NAIROBI, Kenya-Magunas Supermarket in Meru town was on Monday set on fire in the wake of nationwide protests to commemorate Saba Saba Day.
Videos circulating on social media show the building engulfed in a massive fireball, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky as onlookers captured the moment in disbelief.
The fire is believed to have been started by suspected goons who allegedly took advantage of the unrest and chaos sparked by the demonstrations.
Similar reports have also been reported in several places across the country on a day clouded by massive destruction and looting of property.
Shops have also been reportedly looted in Rongai, Githurai, and other environs of Nairobi.
The Central Business District (CBD), however, remained a no-go zone as police mounted barricades to stop protesters from accessing the town.
The heavy-handed move by the government to seal off Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) in the wake of the Saba Saba protests has crippled economic activity, with traders, matatu operators, and small businesses decrying the loss as an economic disaster.
Earlier,police erected at key entry points into the CBD that locked out thousands from entering the city center on Monday.
Many businesses remained shuttered, while public transport vehicles from upcountry were forced to offload passengers as far out as Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, and Mombasa Road.
“The government should have talks with the youths to quell this unrest because they continue to impact the business environment. There are no buyers because people fear for their safety,” said Duncan Karohia, a grocery vendor in Dagoretti Corner.
