NAIROBI, Kenya— Quickmart has dismissed circulating social media reports alleging the presence of dead bodies with gunshot wounds at its OTC branch in Nairobi, terming them as false and misleading.
The retailer in a statement released Thursday, clarified that while its OTC and Ruiru outlets were affected during Wednesday’s nationwide demonstrations, no one was harmed.
“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,” read the statement in part.
“Quickmart is deeply committed to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible.”
The supermarket chain reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of its workers and shoppers, noting that all necessary steps are being taken to restore normalcy at the affected branches.
The statement comes on the back of unverified reports of dead bodies at their downtown Nairobi outlet.
The unverified revelations led to unrest for the better part of the afternoon through to evening, with police forced to use water cannons and teargas to disperse crowds who attempted to access the premises.
This follows yesterday’s demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the June 2024 anti-finance bill victims, where over 60 youths were killed by police.
Yesterday’s demonstrations left 16 people dead, with hundreds of others sustaining wounds of various degrees.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has termed yesterday’s demonstrations as anarchy.
“What unfolded yesterday was not a protest. It was terrorism disguised as dissent. There was no peaceful demonstration; it was riots, chaos, and anarchy,” he said.
