The recent protests that took place in Kenya in June and July 2025 caused heavy damage to many businesses across the country.
Although many people are focused on the politics and casualties involved, not everyone fully understands the deep pain and financial loss suffered by business owners.
One such example is the founder of County Supermarkets, who lost over 200 million shillings worth of goods during the looting that happened on Saba Saba Day.
This kind of damage not only affects the owner but also puts the future of dozens of employees at risk, showing how serious the impact of these protests has been on the economy.
The demonstrations, which were mostly led by young Kenyans, started as a response to problems like police brutality, corruption, and the high cost of living.
They were organized online and gained momentum quickly, especially around important dates such as June 25 and July 7. These protests followed earlier demonstrations from 2024 when President Ruto vetoed the controversial Finance Bill.
However, just like in 2024, the 2025 protests were hijacked by people who were not interested in peaceful change. These groups looted shops, destroyed property, and even set some businesses on fire, making things worse for both citizens and business owners.
Businesses like Naivas Supermarkets, Bata Shoe shops, and several small shops in towns like Nairobi and Nyeri were hit hard. On streets like Tom Mboya and Outering Road, looters took advantage of the chaos to steal goods worth millions.
Businesswoman Agnes Kagure. Photo credit/X(Agnes Kagure)
County Supermarkets, in particular, faced huge damage, with one of its outlets left completely empty. Employees who depended on these businesses for their daily income now face a very uncertain future.
Agnes Kagure, a well-known businesswoman and politician, shared her concern publicly.
She posted on social media urging the government to step up efforts to protect both people and property.
She warned that if security agencies continue to fail, then ordinary citizens might begin to defend themselves, which could make the situation even more dangerous.
She called on the government to support affected businesses so they can get back on their feet and continue to provide jobs and services.
The truth is, Kenya is now at a difficult crossroads. On one hand, the youth are frustrated with how the country is being managed. On the other hand, the damage caused by a few criminal elements during protests could ruin the economy.
Reports have shown that at least 31 people were killed and hundreds injured during the demonstrations, most of them from police gunfire.
But while these tragedies are being mourned, little attention is being given to those who have lost everything in the looting.
Some government officials, like Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, have called the destruction preplanned, and others, like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have accused the government of sending goons to loot businesses in regions like Mt Kenya. These claims, whether true or false, only add more confusion to an already unstable situation.
What is clear is that without strong protection of both people and property, and without government support for the recovery of affected businesses, Kenya’s economy will continue to suffer.
The pain being felt by the founder of County Supermarkets is just one example of what many others are going through in silence. There is a need for serious action to make sure the right to protest does not come at the cost of innocent people’s livelihoods.
